Coimbatore: A girl student of the Coimbatore Government Arts College was suspended for celebrating freedom fighter Bhagat Singh's birth anniversary in the campus.
According to sources, Malathi, 21, doing her first year MA- History was recently suspended for celebrating the 'most beloved freedom fighter' Bhagat Singh's birthday in the college premises without getting the authorities' permission.
Malathi told DC, in an attempt to create awareness about the courageous freedom fighter Bhagat Singh among the students, "I sought permission of the college principal for a programme." "Permission was denied and I was instructed to get the permission from the HOD and do it within my class," she said.
Malathi said, "as the HOD went on leave, we demanded the class teacher's permission; we were allowed to distribute sweets inside the class to mark the freedom fighter's birthday, but permission was denied for a celebration."
However, as many students across departments were eager to know about Bhagat Singh's life, they had gathered at a spot inside the college premises.
"In order to respect their views, I felt nothing wrong talking about a freedom fighter, and after a brief talk about Bhagat Singh, sweets were distributed to students."
Coming to know about this, Malathi said the college administration had issued her a photocopy of the suspension order on October 9, when she entered the classroom and it was with effect from Oct. 1. "I was asked not attend the class until I undergo an enquiry by the disciplinary committee of the college and receive a report from them," she said.
Stating she was not properly informed about the suspension, Ms Malathi said when she made enquiry the administration informed her that a letter about her suspension had been sent to her residential address through post and the Race course police station.
"But I haven't received one so far at my house," Malathi said and asked what was the necessity to send a copy of the suspension letter to the police station.
The College principal Ms. Chitra said, she was not suspended for celebrating Bhagat Singh's birthday, but rather for not getting the permission as instructed. "We cannot encourage such activities inside the college, then some student from each department will approach the administration demanding permission for their favorite ones which is against the administration rules," the principal explained. Sending a copy of the suspension letter to the police station "is usual protocol", the principal said, adding, the enquiry was slated for Oct 22.
