Female students residing in the hostel of Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were reportedly harassed and forced to write apology letters for visiting a Mandir and reciting the Sunderkand. According to the students, the hostel’s chief warden, Ayesha Rais, instructed them that Hindu girls must first seek permission from the university administration before visiting the Mandir.
This incident has sparked strong reactions, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organising protests against the warden’s decision. Hindu organisations have also expressed their outrage, warning that they will stage street protests if the university administration fails to take appropriate action against the warden.
The ban on Sunderkand recitations and religious events has sparked strong opposition from the ABVP, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), at the university. The protestors, primarily students affiliated with ABVP, gathered at the main gate of the campus and organised a Ramdhun (chanting of prayers), offering their prayers in the hope that the university administration would reconsider its stance.
An ABVP leader condemned the decision, calling it unjust and unfair to prevent students from visiting temples and participating in religious events. He asserted that the protest would continue until the university administration reversed the decision.
In response, Chief Warden Ayesha Rais clarified that students were allowed to participate in cultural activities organised on campus. She explained that the issue was not related to religion, but rather concerns about security and discipline. Rais emphasised, “This is not a religious matter; it’s about maintaining discipline. The Vice Chancellor has set up a committee to investigate the situation. The safety and well-being of the students, especially the girls, are our top priority. We care for them as if they were our own children. They live away from their families, and we ensure their security so they can focus on their studies without any disruptions.”
Ayesha Rais defended the administration’s actions, stating, “It is our responsibility to act as guardians. We maintain a register to track the arrival and departure times of students, and we monitor the girls to ensure they return to the hostel on time. If they are late, they are given a warning. The matter has been resolved, and the girls have agreed to adhere to the rules. Their entries have been duly recorded.”
The Sunderkand event was reportedly held on the university campus, and several girls participated. As a result, they returned to the hostel later than the designated time. The hostel warden had instructed the students to return by 7:00 to 7:30 pm. Any delays beyond that time required prior permission from the university.
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