UGC on RSS leader's birth celebration: Shiv Sena says not to impose expenses on institutions

New Delhi: A letter from the UGC to universities and colleges all over Maharashtra, urging them to encourage students to participate in the birth centenary year celebrations of RSS leader Dattaji Didolkar triggered a controversy.

The youth wing of Shiv Sena (UBT) insisted that party leaders' birth celebrations should be funded by the party and not with the university and colleges funds.

The UGC, in a letter dated November 21, called on higher education institutions to encourage students to engage in various programs planned from August 7, 2023, to August 7, 2024, commemorating Didolkar's contributions.

Didolkar is a founding member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP) and a prominent figure in the RSS. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, highlighted the significance of organizing programs to honour Didolkar's legacy. Gadkari also mentioned the publication of a souvenir booklet dedicated to the late leader.

However, the UGC's directive has faced opposition, particularly from the youth wing of Shiv Sena (UBT). The UBT has objected to the letter, urging its withdrawal. Critics argue that while they are not against celebrating a birth centenary, the responsibility should lie with the political party and the RSS, utilizing their own funds for such commemorations.

Pradeep Sawant, a former Mumbai University senate member from Yuva Sena, expressed concerns about the imposition of the celebration on colleges and universities.

He emphasized that if the program is scheduled in Nagpur, there is no need for letters to be issued to all higher education institutions in Maharashtra.