{
  "id": 15438018,
  "title": "Haveri University circular on compulsory attendance for Ayudha Puja draws protest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/haveri-university-circular-on-compulsory-attendance-for-ayudha-puja",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T15:37:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/haveri-university-circular-on-compulsory-attendance-for-ayudha-puja-draws-protest/article71596141.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A coalition of writers, academics, journalists, and social activists has called on the Chief Minister of Karnataka and the Higher Education Minister to intervene regarding a Haveri University circular mandating attendance at the Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja program. The circular, issued by the university Registrar on October 16, requires all departments to ensure the participation of teaching and non-teaching staff and students in the program scheduled for October 19 at 10 a.m. The signatories, who include educationist V.P. Niranjanaradhya, activist Basavaraj Sulibavi, and senior journalists Sanath Kumar Belagali and G.P. Basavaraju, argue that the directive conflicts with the secular principles of the Constitution and violates the freedom of conscience of students and staff from various faiths and those without religious beliefs. They cite Article 28 of the Constitution, which prohibits religious observances in educational institutions receiving government aid, and Article 51A(h), which promotes scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry. The coalition contends that making Ayudha Puja a compulsory institutional activity would undermine the university's pluralistic character and notes that using the 'Gandhi Bharat' Jayanti logo for the circular contradicts Mahatma Gandhi's principle of respect for all religions. They demand the immediate withdrawal of the circular, No. HUH/RO/2026-27, the suspension of the Registrar, and the prioritization of secular programs related to the Constitution, scientific temper, and human rights. Over 90 individuals, comprising academics, writers, and social activists from across Karnataka, have signed the letter.",
  "summary": "A group of writers, academics, journalists and social activists has urged the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister to intervene",
  "key_points": [
    "Haveri University's circular mandates Ayudha Puja attendance on October 19.",
    "Coalition of writers, academics, journalists protest circular's secular violation.",
    "Over 90 individuals sign demand for circular withdrawal and suspension of Registrar."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}