The 86th annual convocation event at Mumbai’s Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), which was originally planned for August 2, has been abruptly postponed. Just two days prior to the event, on Thursday, just after midnight, the institute’s registrar sent graduating students an email informing them of the postponement, claiming “unforeseen circumstances”.
Acting principal Justice of the Bombay High Court Ravindra Ghuge was to be the guest of honor, and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was to be the principal guest.
The postponement, according to institute officials and student leaders, was caused by information about possible student protests aimed at the dignitaries as well as concerns about campus security.
The administration apparently feared that during the occasion, demonstrations associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement may start. “The Institute assessed that the ceremony could not be held in a conducive environment and that proceeding as scheduled could have affected the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests, and campus life,” the institute administration said in a statement to the media on Friday night.
In order to protect the welfare of students, instructors, staff, dignitaries, visitors, and campus life, the Institute had to make the tough decision to postpone the Convocation. The TISS message said, “The Institute supports you at this trying time and asks for your assistance in continuing the Institute’s history with honor and dignity.
Hundreds of graduating students and their families, who had already booked flights, trains, and hotels, were deeply irritated by the decision.
In a later official statement, TISS said that requests for financial aid resulting from the last-minute cancelation would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and acknowledged the serious difficulty given to families.
Students were reassured by the administration that provisional certificates would be given to those who needed them right away and that a new date for the ceremony would be announced shortly.
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