For many so-called student leaders, it may be a good thing to remain active in student politics till such time as they win an important student election or become notorious enough not to be ignored by mainstream political parties. But in general, universities suffer because of them. I can perfectly understand the predicament of Vice-chancellor Professor R.P. Singh, as I have had to face a similar sort of hooliganism. The occasion was a programme organised in the honour of 40 visiting Pakistani guests in August 2005 at the prestigious Malviya Bhavan of Lucknow University. Since the programme was being held at Lucknow University, we also decided to invite the then students union president, Rajpal Kashyap, to share the dais as a representative of the student community.

But other student leaders present there wanted to share the dais, too, and were in no mood to realise the seriousness of the programme. We put our foot down. A melee followed, with each of these ‘leaders’ appearing more threatening than the other. Some of them said abusive things about the organisers, not even sparing the women. This was embarrassing in the presence of our Pakistani guests, so we decided to boycott the snacks organised by the union. The Pakistanis joined us in walking out.

Frankly, I think Lucknow University needs an overhaul. It must be rid of all its goonda elements. But I never thought this was possible. When R.P. Singh took over as vice-chancellor and spoke of making an IIT out of Lucknow University, we thought he would soon get disillusioned. But he has demonstrated the guts and can take on not only the university lumpens but also state-level politicians. While Mulayam Singh Yadav shamelessly patronises goonda elements on campus and other political parties support him or keep silent on the issue, R.P. Singh has stuck to his guns. He needs all our support to take on Mulayam Singh Yadav and his brand of politicians. He deserves kudos for not having buckled under the political pressure to isolate him.

... contd.