Mumbai: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has postponed its 86th Annual Convocation, scheduled for August 2, at the last minute, with several graduating students receiving the notification only after they had already begun travelling to Mumbai, resulting in financial losses, inconvenience and distress.
The institute’s Registrar informed graduating students of the postponement through an email sent shortly after midnight on Friday, just two days before the scheduled ceremony, citing “unforeseen circumstances”.
The official email did not specify the reason for the postponement.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was scheduled to attend the ceremony as the chief guest. Although the institute has not officially stated the reason, the postponement is believed to be linked to campus security concerns and intelligence inputs regarding possible student protests targeting the CJI, who had earlier faced widespread criticism over his “cockroaches” remarks.
In a statement issued to the media on Friday evening, the institute administration said, “The Institute assessed that the ceremony could not be held in a conducive environment and that proceeding as scheduled could have affected the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests, and campus life.”
However, the statement did not clarify why the ceremony could not be held in a conducive environment.
“The Institute had to take the difficult decision to postpone the Convocation in the best and long term interest of the Institute as well as preserving the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests, and campus life. The Institute stands with you at this difficult moment and also seeks your cooperation in carrying forward the legacy of the Institute with dignity and respect,” the TISS notice stated.
The Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF), a left student organisation on the campus, expressed serious concern over the last-minute postponement.
“Graduating students received an official mail after midnight informing them that the event had been postponed due to some unforeseen circumstances. This decision has caused significant financial, professional, and emotional distress to the graduating batch. Students and their families from across the country had already made travel and accommodation arrangements, and many working graduates had taken leave to attend the ceremony,” the PSF said.
It added that the continued delay in declaring final results and issuing degree certificates had already affected students applying for higher education, competitive examinations and employment.
“The postponement further aggravates these difficulties and risks damaging the institution’s reputation,” the organisation said.
The PSF sought accountability from the administration and urged it either to conduct the convocation as scheduled or make immediate arrangements to ensure that all graduating students receive their degree certificates and other necessary academic documents without further delay.
The Fraternity Movement, TISS, also said the decision had caused severe hardship to students and their families.
“Many had already booked tickets for themselves and their families, arranged accommodation, and taken leave from their workplaces to attend this occasion. Several families had already begun their journey to Mumbai when the announcement was made,” it said.
The organisation said the financial losses and distress caused to students and their families were the result of the administration’s failure to communicate responsibly and in good time.
“The TISS administration owes the student community a transparent, detailed explanation for this decision, along with adequate redressal for the losses incurred. Students and their families deserve dignity, not apathy. The Fraternity Movement, TISS Mumbai, stands firmly with every affected student and demands accountability,” it said.
MSF TISS, in its statement, said students received the postponement email at midnight citing “unforeseen circumstances”, by which time students from across the country had already made arrangements to travel to the campus, with some already halfway to Mumbai.
It said working students had taken leave from their jobs and many had made non-refundable bookings for travel and accommodation.
“This last-minute change has caused great financial loss and emotional distress to the students and their parents,” MSF TISS said.
Also Read:SC clarifies order, permits Friday prayers near Kamal Maula Mosque
The organisation urged the institute to hold the convocation on the originally scheduled date. It also demanded that the administration reimburse all additional expenses incurred by students if the convocation is postponed, and arrange to send degree certificates by post within one week to students who choose not to attend a rescheduled ceremony.