Vice-Chancellor of Gorakhpur Deen Dayal Upadhyay University Arun Kumar is a busy man these days. Not only does he have to discharge his administrative duties, he also has the self-appointed task of “disciplining” students who do not conform to his idea of the ideal pupil. According to Kumar, sunglasses, long hair, motorcycles and students of different sexes mingling are out, and if he has to slap, kick or punch them to get them around to his way of thinking, then so be it.

When contacted by The Indian Express, Kumar was unapologetic about enforcing his strict code of conduct in a violent manner. He felt it was the only way to teach a lesson to those out to defy his diktat and make them understand that “the campus should only be treated as a centre of education where classes and examinations are held”. “I will not allow the Majnu types on the campus because I need to protect over 16,000 girls studying here,” he said.

Despite criticism from colleagues and students alike, Kumar, who joined as Vice-Chancellor in November, 2004, was confident of “changing the entire campus culture”. “Why should I go to the police when I am capable to managing university affairs myself? There are 30,000 students on the campus and we cater to the need of all seven districts of eastern UP. I also have to look after the 190 affiliated colleges. But I will be able to revive the academic atmosphere here. I have the support of teachers and citizens,” he claimed.

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