Critics claimed that state institutions are increasingly acting as "extended bodies of the RSS" amid a University Grants Commission (UGC) circular inviting higher education institutions to take part in the "Bharati-Nari to Narayani" convention, which was organised by RSS affiliates Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad and Rashtra Sevika Samiti.
Higher education institutions have been encouraged to attend the National Convention of Women Thought Leaders, called "Bharati-Nari to Narayani," which is set to take place at Vigyan Bhavan on March 7–8, 2026, according to a circular released by the UGC.
Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad (BVP) and Rashtra Sevika Samiti are organising the convention, according to the communication, which calls it a "collaborative national platform for women thought leaders" to discuss inclusive leadership, self-reliance, and holistic national development, Maktoob Media reported.
According to the circular, the convention's objectives are to honour women's accomplishments, encourage creative thinking, and establish alliances for India's future.
Universities have been encouraged by the UGC to plan academic activities prior to conferences, including panel discussions, poster presentations, and audio-visual presentations, centred around eight topics. In order for the "collective academic voice of the nation" to be included in a National Recommendations Document during the convention, institutions have also been asked to compile the results and suggestions from these activities and submit a report to the UGC, copying Prof. Shivani V., Secretary of BVP. In addition, a special Women Vice-Chancellors' Meet has been called for to address gender-responsive policies, leadership, and governance in higher education with all female vice chancellors and top female administrators.
Higher education institutions are also instructed by the circular to designate two faculty members each to attend the convention in New Delhi. It is anticipated that these representatives will exchange institutional best practices, take part in academic sessions, and spread the convention's conclusions throughout their respective universities.
Apoorvanand, a columnist and lecturer at Delhi University, criticised the action on X, claiming that the University Grants Commission was "actively propagating and promoting the affiliates of the RSS."
"All state institutions are now extended bodies of the RSS," he said, referring to the circular asking universities to attend the convention hosted by Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad.