Mangaluru
Mangalore University, which is trying to end the controversy surrounding the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at its campus in Konaje, has now decided to hold celebrations inside the air-conditioned Mangala Auditorium, but with several riders.
There was a furore when the university decided to shift the celebration venue from Mangala Auditorium to the Boys’ Hostel this year. Apart from that, MU also refused financial support for the event.
Jayaraj Amin, Vice-Chancellor told that after the furore, a meeting with all stakeholders of the Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje was called. It was attended by staff, non-teaching staff, deans, wardens, and student representatives. During the meeting, it was finally decided that the celebrations would be held at the Mangala Auditorium. However, no funds will be given by MU, and no one from outside the campus will be allowed to be a part of it. The celebrations should be strictly organised by students and staff of Mangalore University’s campus in Konaje. Outsiders can come and pray at the venue to Lord Ganesha, said Amin.
Regarding funding, Amin said that earlier MU used to give close to Rs 2 lakh for the celebration from the varsity exchequer. However, there is an audit objection and it has sought explanations on how the funds were allocated when there are no rules or provisions for the same. Considering these objections, we have decided that students pay a cultural fee every year along with the regular fees. The same will be utilised for the celebrations, he explained, stressing that the decision to hold the celebrations at the Boys’ Hostel was taken earlier as there are no postgraduate students on the campus at the moment.
