Until August 4, 2025, University of Calcutta officiating Vice Chancellor, Santa Datta, was relatively unknown beyond academic circles. However, her decision to uphold the university’s autonomy against a request from the State Higher Education Department has earned her widespread praise from faculty and students alike.
The Department had asked the university to reschedule the B.Com and LLB exams set for August 28, which falls on the foundation day of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the student wing of the Trinamool Congress. In response, Prof. Datta called a Syndicate meeting on Monday, where the majority supported holding the exams as planned.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Prof. Datta called it “unprecedented” for the State government to request a schedule change based on the foundation day of a student organisation. She stated that by sticking to the original exam dates, the university had protected its institutional autonomy. She also emphasised that it is the government’s responsibility to maintain normal traffic flow on that day, just as it does during Opposition-led strikes.
Mrinmoy Pramanick, a professor at the university, described the decision as exceptionally brave. “This is one of the most courageous decisions she has taken as Vice Chancellor. Such integrity and backbone are incredibly rare today, especially among Bengalis. She didn’t just make a decision — she sent a message. She reminded us what it truly means to be a responsible citizen. At a time when politicians and ruling parties often act with narrow, self-serving interests, the role of educators becomes even more vital.”
Ayan Ghosh, another doctoral researcher, added, “There’s always been a need to ‘bell the cat,’ and our VC has done just that — with remarkable courage. From a student’s perspective, exams are already stressful. Arbitrary changes, especially for political reasons, only add to the anxiety. Postponing an exam to accommodate a political event is not only disruptive but dangerous, as it opens the door for similar demands from other parties in the future.”
Shreya Datta, a doctoral research scholar, echoed the admiration. “In today’s political climate, where academia often suffers from fear, intimidation, and corruption, this decision by the VC and the Syndicate is truly unprecedented. It reminds scholars and students alike that we must never abandon our core principles, no matter the pressure. This kind of courage is exactly what the State needs if we hope to restore its lost dignity.”
SFI activist Malyaban Ganguly revealed that the university had received a fresh communication from the State government, this time seeking access to its financial records. “It’s important to note that many permanent teaching posts remain vacant, and student union elections haven’t been held in over seven years,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta University Teachers’ Association (CUTA) issued a statement expressing full support for the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Syndicate members. “We strongly oppose any interference in the internal functioning of the university. Autonomy is essential for the institution’s excellence and its credibility in society,” said CUTA president Sanatan Chattopadhyay.
