Unrest broke out at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University on Tuesday, just a day before its 17th convocation, as students staged a protest during rehearsal and objected to receiving degrees from the acting Vice-Chancellor.
The controversy began after a change in the list of dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony. Students claimed they were earlier informed that President Droupadi Murmu would grace the occasion as Chief Guest. However, a later update confirmed that neither the President, the Governor, nor the Chief Minister would be present, with the acting Vice-Chancellor assigned to confer degrees instead.
This last-minute change triggered strong reactions, with students calling the move disrespectful and raising slogans against the university administration.
Adding to the discontent, students highlighted alleged mismanagement during rehearsal arrangements, including issues related to accommodation, food, and seating—especially impacting those who had travelled from distant regions.
Students have warned of a possible boycott of the convocation scheduled for April 30 if their demands are not addressed. Meanwhile, university authorities are attempting to defuse the situation through dialogue, as uncertainty continues to loom over the ceremony.
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