IIM-Jammu denies Congress MP claim that students who skipped Modi birthday event warned of fines

Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, a Congress MP and party affairs representative in Jammu and Kashmir, alleged that the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Jammu had sent notices to students discouraging their attendance at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations held on campus. The institute swiftly refuted this claim, alleging that Hussain had misrepresented a student council email as an official institute directive.

On Thursday, IIM-Jammu had organized a "deepak lighting ceremony" to commemorate Modi’s birthday. Hussain posted a notice on X, questioning the mandatory nature of attending such events and criticizing the BJP for attempting to influence educational institutions. He urged the promotion of independent thought rather than coercive measures.

An IIM-Jammu spokesperson debunked Hussain’s allegations, stating that a ceremonial lighting of a "deepak" was indeed performed but not compulsory for students, and that the institute had not issued any notices threatening fines. The spokesperson challenged Hussain to provide evidence, stating that Congress was attempting to politicize a non-issue.

The institute regularly organizes events of national significance, with participation remaining voluntary. The institute also planned to hold a plantation and sanitation drive on October 2, but participation in these activities was left to the discretion of the students. The original "notice" Hussain shared credited the "Student Council, IIM-Jammu."