A group of writers, academics, journalists and social activists has urged the Chief Minister of Karnataka and the Higher Education Minister to intervene over a circular issued by Haveri University making attendance at its Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja programme mandatory for teaching and non-teaching staff and students.
In a letter to the Chief Minister and the Minister, the signatories have objected to the circular issued by the university Registrar on October 16, directing all departments to ensure attendance at the programme scheduled at 10 a.m. on October 19. They termed the directive contrary to the secular principles of the Constitution and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The signatories also sought suspension of the Registrar, alleging that making participation in a religious ceremony compulsory in a university undermined the institution’s secular character and the freedom of conscience of students and staff belonging to different faiths, as well as those who do not subscribe to religious beliefs.
They have cited Article 28 of the Constitution in support of their objection to compulsory religious observances in educational institutions receiving government aid. They have also referred to Article 51A(h), which calls for the development of scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
The letter stated that while Ayudha Puja could be a matter of individual faith, making it a compulsory institutional activity would compromise the university’s pluralistic character. It also alleged that using the ‘Gandhi Bharat’ Jayanti logo for the circular was inconsistent with Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of respect for all religions.
The signatories demanded that the circular, No. HUH/RO/2026-27, dated October 16, be withdrawn unconditionally; that the Vice-Chancellor take action against the Registrar; and that the university give priority to secular programmes relating to the Constitution, scientific temper, and human rights.
The letter has been signed by more than 90 persons, including educationist and columnist V.P. Niranjanaradhya, activist Basavaraj Sulibavi, writers K.V. Veerabhadrappa and Sunanda Kadame, senior journalists Sanath Kumar Belagali and G.P. Basavaraju, theatre personality B. Suresh, and other academics, writers, and social activists from across Karnataka.
Published - October 17, 2026 04:45 pm IST