Lucknow university tells students to stay away from campus

The University of Lucknow has issued an advisory to its students, asking them not to come to the campus on Wednesday and has warned of disciplinary action against those violating the order on Valentine’s Day.

“It has been noted in recent years that certain youth celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 influenced by western culture. In this regard, all students of the co-ed campus are informed that the university will remain closed on February 14 on occasion of Mahashivratri,” proctor Vinod Singh said in a press release issued on February 10.

“The campus will remain closed completely on February 14. There will be no extra classes, no practical examinations nor any cultural event will be held on the campus,” Singh added.

He also appealed to the parents and guardians of all students not to send their wards to the campus on Wednesday. The proctor said there had been no law and order problem on the campus but the administration had to take “appropriate measures” to ensure no student was harmed.

“We have separate hostels for boys and girls and as a proctor, I have to ensure their safety as well,” Singh said. The university’s decision to prevent students from coming to campus on Valentine’s Day was criticised by students as moral policing.

“We are all adults and the proctor has no right to tell us what to do,” an undergraduate student said. A postgraduate student said the university administration should focus on improving academics and ensuring teachers take regular classes rather than telling students what is expected of them on Valentine’s Day.

Police have also sounded an alert in Lucknow on Wednesday, apprehending trouble from rightwing groups. Officials said the Women Power Line (1090) will address emergency complaints related to misbehaviour with women and girls. The staff of police control room (UP 100) and Anti-Romeo Squad, constituted earlier by the state government, have also been sensitised to lodge complaints by women on a priority basis, they added.

Right-wing groups protest against Valentine’s Day every year in different parts of the country, saying it is a western import.

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