A PhD scholar from Bharathiar University stirred significant attention during the university’s 39th convocation by presenting a letter of complaint to Tamil Nadu’s Governor, RN Ravi, while accepting his degree. The letter, representing the concerns of research scholars and students, outlines serious issues they face on campus, including allegations that some faculty members require students to perform household tasks.
The 39th convocation took place on 14 October 2024, in Coimbatore. During the ceremony, Prakash, a PhD scholar in English, spoke about the challenges faced by his fellow students at Bharathiar University. His petition, titled “Problems Faced by Research Scholars and Students of Bharathiyar University,” asserts that some guides do not view research scholars as academic equals. Instead, they impose domestic responsibilities such as washing dishes, caring for their children, and managing bank accounts. Additionally, they claim that the guidance offered is often insufficient.
The letter also raises concerns about the Adi Dravidar hostels, which are publicly managed, leading to a significant financial burden for Scheduled Caste students in terms of monthly mess fees. Additionally, Prakash reported that some guides suggest that scholars spend between fifty thousand and one lakh rupees during their viva. These scholars are pressured to provide money, food, and even gold to certain guides after successful examinations.
திருட்டு திராவிடியம் எப்படி தமிழ்நாட்டின் உயர்கல்வியை சிதைத்துக்கொண்டிருக்குது என்பதை தைரியமாக சொன்ன இவருக்கு வாழ்த்துக்கள்.
மக்களே இதுக்கு தான் படிச்சவன் கைகளில் ஆட்சிய கொடுங்க னு சொல்றோம், அப்பன் பேரு தத்தன் பேரு சொல்லி வந்தவங்களுக்கு எல்லாம் படிப்போடா அருமை தெரியாது. pic.twitter.com/fRLTkOEtpP
— Murali (@MuraliS27) October 14, 2024
Furthermore, the complaint highlights that although students are charged for participation in Sports Day events, the university has not hosted such events in the last four years. While students and staff are restricted from using the sports facilities, they are being rented out to outsiders on weekends.
Later, speaking to the press, he noted that while there are two Adi Dravidar hostels, they are poorly maintained and functioning as a common hostel. As a result, funding from the government has been halted, leading officials to claim that there are no Adi Dravidar hostels available, additionally questions the allocation of one crore and where the funds are being directed.
(With inputs from Times Now)
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