Nashik: Student Groups Oppose ‘WAHA’ Seminar At YCMOU; VC Assures Cancellation

In Nashik, a group called the Progressive Student Action Committee met with the university's head, Dr Sanjeev Sonawane, to protest an international seminar planned for September 6. This seminar was organized jointly by the university and an organization called the World Association of Hindu Academicians (WAHA). On August 31, the committee gave the Vice-Chancellor a letter expressing their concerns.

They argued that the university, which is a publicly-funded, secular institution, should not be used to promote a specific political or religious viewpoint. The committee pointed out that allowing WAHA to co-organize the seminar would breach the university's commitment to secularism, scientific inquiry, inclusiveness, and social harmony.

The student group made several demands. First, they demanded that the seminar on September 6 be canceled immediately. They also stated that in the future, the university should not allow organizations with political or religious agendas to use its facilities. In response to the committee's concerns, Dr Sonawane said he had not been fully briefed about the event and had no intention of endangering the university's secular character. He promised to look into the matter and make sure the seminar would not be held.

The committee also threatened to file a police complaint if WAHA used the university's name and logo without proper authorization, alleging fraud and unauthorized use. They vowed to keep a close eye on the situation until the assurance was fulfilled. The committee, which includes groups like the All India Students Federation, Students’ Federation of India, Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan, and Chhatra Bharati, is determined to take action if the seminar is not canceled or if similar incidents happen again.

Key activists present include Kaivalya Chandratre, Rahul Gaikwad, Mihir Gajbe, Talha Shaikh, and Raj Mali.