EFLU admn, students spar over ‘Asura Week’

Hyderabad: Students of English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) on Thursday alleged that the administration had deliberately given ‘communal’ colour to the ‘Asura Week’ by lodging a police complaint against a group of students. In a press statement, the students stated that they were held responsible for hurting religious sentiments following the complaint.

The administration had made no prior official intervention in conveying their displeasure with the celebration, lamented the students. A series of events which included academic discussions, face-painting, sculpture and painting competitions were held to celebrate the Asura Week.

“Through these celebrations, students wished to expose the casteist, patriarchal and majoritarian nature and history of public religious festivals (Vinayaka Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Onam etc.) in India. Many students, especially from marginalised communities, have expressed their sense of alienation from such festivals,” stated the release.

The administration lodged an oral complaint with Osmania University police stating that the Asura Week was hurting religious sentiments of certain section of students. Kachiguda Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Ranjan Ratan Kumar said action would be taken if a written complaint is lodged. However, he said that the police would examine the exhibits and take a call. .