PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Experts have stressed that college authorities must act responsibly when it comes to any events or festivals organised on their campuses to prevent untoward incidents and maintain peace. This view emerged following a recent incident held at DAV PG College, where Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma, invited to perform at a fest, allegedly used abusive language on the stage which left many students and attendees uncomfortable. In light of this incident, experts have expressed concern and emphasised that while organising entertainment events for students is not inherently wrong, college authorities must ensure that such programmes are conducted in a disciplined and peaceful manner.
Retired professor from Shri Guru Ram Rai (SGRR) PG College Atul Kumar Gupta stated that the incident was shameful. He emphasised that programmes featuring abusive language should not be held at the colleges. He stated that organising events for student entertainment is acceptable, but hosting events with abusive content is intolerable. Gupta pointed out that students who attend such events can be affected mentally and in some cases, it can even leave them in shock. To avoid such consequences, he urged that the police remain vigilant at colleges during events and that college administrations take full responsibility by thoroughly reviewing such programmes to prevent any incidents and ensure that no outside students attend such programmes on their premises.
Neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said that many colleges, especially private ones, often organise fests primarily to attract individuals for enrollment, showing little concern for the other aspects of the event. She said that incidents like these at the college level are shameful, as colleges and schools are meant to be places of learning. She emphasised that if events featuring abusive language are held, it not only affects students mentally but also influences their behaviour outside of the college, which can ultimately impact society as a whole.
To prevent such issues, college authorities need to understand their responsibilities and implement proper oversight during events. They should know who will attend and verify the details of the programmes. Additionally, teachers should preview performances of students that are to be staged during the events, ahead of time. If any events are deemed to affect the discipline of the college or include abusive content, the college administration must take immediate action to stop them, she said.
