Tensions at Tezpur University have continued after students staged protests against Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, alleging insensitivity during the state mourning for late singer Zubeen Garg. The administration has since issued statements outlining measures to honour the cultural icon, while also revising the university’s academic calendar.
Students criticised the university for holding elections to the Tezpur University Students’ Council (TUSC) on 21 September, during the three-day state mourning period declared by the Assam government. According to student groups, when they pressed for a condolence programme, the Vice Chancellor reportedly responded that such gestures were “funny things.” The remark triggered protests, with hundreds of students gathering near the university flagpole late on Sunday night to demand an apology and accountability from the administration.
In its official release, the university said it had accepted the points raised by students “for further needful administrative action.” It announced that the process would be initiated to explore changing the name of the Students’ Council to a Students’ Union, which would require amending the Tezpur University Act, 1993. It also proposed to build a statue of Zubeen Garg on campus, consider conferring a posthumous honorary doctorate, and institute a scholarship in his name under the Department of Cultural Studies. These steps followed the floral tributes offered by the Vice Chancellor on 22 September.
On 23 September, the administration issued a notification advancing the Autumn recess. Initially scheduled for 29 September to 3 October, it was revised to 24 September to 3 October, subject to ratification by the Academic Council.
Students have criticised the move, alleging that the decision to bring forward the recess was intended to disperse protests by sending them home early. They pointed out that the university has often denied holidays for regional occasions and festivals but acted swiftly in this instance, which they argue reflects an attempt to suppress dissent rather than address their concerns.
Former students have also voiced criticism, alleging a pattern of mismanagement at the university. The administration has not responded directly to these specific claims but has said in its statement that neither the university nor the Vice Chancellor supports any action detrimental to the interests of the state or students.
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