Kolkata college disputes claims students were pressured into Modi-themed play
Students at Scottish Church College in Kolkata allege they were warned that refusing to join a play commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi could affect internal marks and project assessments. The principal denies any coercion, saying participation was voluntary and the programme followed a Higher Education Department directive.
Students at Scottish Church College in Kolkata have alleged that they faced pressure to participate in a play connected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations, a charge denied by the college principal. The play, titled ‘Namo Seva — Untold Stories’, is scheduled to be staged at the college auditorium on September 29. Some students associated with the drama club said they were repeatedly asked to take part and alleged that the production contained political references.
One student claimed that participants were warned during an online meeting on September 24 that refusing could affect internal examination marks and project assessments. The student also said those involved were repeatedly asked to reconsider their decision. Principal Madhumanjari Mandal rejected the allegation of coercion.
She told PTI that participation was voluntary and said the college had followed directions from the West Bengal Higher Education Department. State-run higher educational institutions were asked to organise programmes, including the play and drawing and elocution competitions, as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The initiative runs from September 17 to October 10 and is intended to mark Modi’s 76th birthday and his years in public service.
Mandal said the college calendar included a series of programmes between September 17 and October 6. She said the institution had not imposed a diktat, although some drama club members may have objected to the event. The dispute has also drawn political attention.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal posted about the issue on X and questioned whether the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” was prohibited in Kolkata colleges. The play reportedly includes an appeal to the audience to raise the slogan. The student alleged that the college’s approach changed on September 25 after concerns were raised publicly in a college WhatsApp group.
Mandal said the institution was unaware of any mental stress suffered by drama club members over the matter.
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