NSUI Protests at Pune University Over ‘Voice of Devendra’ Elocution Contest Theme
NSUI Protests at Pune University Over ‘Voice of Devendra’ Elocution Contest Theme
Pune, August 12, 2025 – The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and several like-minded student organisations staged a protest against Savitribai Phule Pune University’s decision to set “Voice of Devendra” as the topic for an upcoming elocution competition. The groups alleged that the choice of topic was a clear example of political glorification, inappropriate for an academic platform.
Protesters argued that universities should remain free from political influence and not be turned into arenas for promoting political personalities. They stressed that academic institutions should focus on educational and developmental themes that encourage critical thinking, rather than subjects that, in their view, reflect political bias.
The agitation took place in front of the university’s National Service Scheme (NSS) office, where NSUI members and other student groups gathered in large numbers. They voiced strong opposition to what they called an attempt to politicise student activities. The protesters raised slogans including “Save Education, Save the University, Save Democracy,” underscoring their demand for a politically neutral academic environment.
NSUI leaders further warned that if the university did not withdraw or change the contest topic, they would intensify their agitation. They called upon the administration to uphold the principles of academic freedom and impartiality, emphasising that student competitions should celebrate ideas and intellect, not individuals aligned with any political ideology.
