Chandigarh: A coalition of student organisations under the banner “PU Against Saffronisation” has demanded the cancellation of an event scheduled at Panjab University on July 20, alleging that it promotes a communal and patriarchal ideology.In a joint statement, the groups objected to the university programme, “Shakti and Srishti”, centred on women and sustainability, which is slated to feature V Shanta Kumari, chief of the Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, and Sadhvi Ritambhara, founder-chairperson of Durga Vahini.The student organisations alleged that both speakers are associated with organisations linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and have made controversial remarks in the past.The coalition claimed the event was part of an attempt to “saffronise” educational institutions and argued that universities should remain spaces for democratic, secular and inclusive dialogue. It said inviting the speakers was contrary to the values of a public university and demanded that the programme be withdrawn.The groups warned that students would launch protests if the university does not cancel the event.The statement was jointly issued by SFS, SATH, AISA, NSUI, PSU (Lalkaar), DISHA, SAAKHI, Punjabnama, SOI, SOPU, SF, PUSU, PFUS, SUI and ASAP.The university has announced the event as a programme focused on women and sustainability.
