Now Reading: UHS VC draws flak for using official letterhead for puja invite
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UHS VC draws flak for using official letterhead for puja invite
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Vice-Chancellor Vishnuvardhan has been criticised for using his official letterhead to invite people to a Satyanarayana puja held at his residence. Several writers, thinkers and activists have…
The Story in Brief
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Vice-Chancellor Vishnuvardhan has been criticised for using his official letterhead to invite people to a Satyanarayana puja held at his residence. Several writers, thinkers and activists have written to the Chief Minister seeking action. Writer Basavaraj Sulibhavi said personal religious observance is fine, but using the official letterhead of the institution he serves was inappropriate. He urged suspension of the VC and a directive to stop religious rituals in government buildings.
Vishnuvardhan said he had withdrawn the letterhead and organised the puja with his family at home, followed by a meal for well-wishers. He called it his religious tradition and right. Author Pratibha Nandakumar noted the event at his residence was personal and the objection was only to the letterhead’s use, adding that pujas have been held at places like Vidhana Soudha. Deccan Herald reports the story.
The Indian Opinion
The defence that personal religious practice is a right sidesteps the real issue: a public officer used official stationery for a private event. Critics are not attacking faith, but the blurring of institutional and personal boundaries. Yet calls for suspension may be disproportionate unless rules exist. The state should clarify whether any circular bars such use. The test will be if the government issues a clear guideline, or lets this pass as a one-off.
Source: deccanherald.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
