**Tension at Tezpur University Following Students’ Protest Over VC’s Controversial Remarks on Zubeen Garg**
Guwahati: Tension gripped Tezpur University after students staged massive protests against Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh. The unrest was sparked by allegations that Prof. Singh made controversial comments regarding legendary singer Zubeen Garg, whose recent demise has left Assam in mourning.
According to students, Prof. Singh dismissed their demand for a formal condolence programme, reportedly referring to such gestures as “funny things” during an interaction. These remarks sparked outrage on campus, with hundreds of students gathering near the university flagpole late Sunday night. They demanded respect for the state government’s mourning directive and called for proper recognition of the cultural icon.
Protesters accused the university administration of insensitivity, highlighting that classes, examinations, and student elections proceeded as usual despite the government’s notification to observe official mourning. Furthermore, students alleged that the university misled the media by claiming that a tribute had already been held, even though the condolence meeting was scheduled only for September 22.
In response to the protests, the registrar (in-charge) issued a notice announcing a Shradhanjali Anushthan at the Community Hall on Monday afternoon. However, the students continued to demand a formal apology and greater accountability from Prof. Singh for his alleged remarks.
While the university administration has denied any deliberate disrespect, this incident has sparked heated debate across Assam regarding how institutions should honour cultural icons like Zubeen Garg. The event underscores the sensitivities surrounding public figures and the expectations placed on educational institutions to respect and uphold cultural sentiments.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/tezpur-university-erupts-in-protest-over-vcs-remarks-on-late-singer-zubeen-garg-video