Lucknow University releases circular barring students' entry on campus for Valentine's Day, faces backlash

Lucknow University received backlash from its students on Tuesday for releasing a circular ordering its students "not to roam" inside the premises of the university on Valentine's Day.

The university rolled out the "advisory" for 14 February under the guise of saying that the institution would remain shut for Maha Shivaratri. At the same time, the circular said that the students were "influenced by western culture" and hence they wanted to celebrate Valentine's Day.

The university asked the students not to come to the campus as classes would be closed. "It has been seen in the past years that some students, influenced by western culture celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14. We want to inform all students of the university that both the campuses of the university will remain closed on account of Maha Shivratri and no extra classes, practicals cultural programme will be held," an advisory issued by Lucknow University Proctor Vinod Singh said on 10 February, according to PTI.

"We all appeal the parents of the students not to send their wards to the university. Disciplinary action will be taken against those found sitting or roaming in the campus," Singh added. The students of Lucknow University were not happy with the circular and called out the university for its narrow-mindedness.

The students were against the institution's decision to disallow people from entering the campus. "If we won't enter the university, then who will?" a student said to ANI.

Another student told the Hindustan Times, on condition of anonymity, that the students were adults and the university proctor has no right to tell them what to do. Another student said that the administration should focus on improving academics and ensure teachers take regular classes, rather than telling students what is expected of them on Valentine’s Day.

According to NDTV, Lucknow University has had a history of inviting controversy when it comes to Valentine's Day celebrations. In 2016, the university had asked students not to bring gifts or flowers to college on Valentine's Day. They claimed that this would help keep a check on harassment against women.

With inputs from agencies