Students of IKG Punjab Technical University (PTU) have called off their protest against the Dean of Student Welfare after the Vice Chancellor assured them that a committee would be formed to probe allegations of derogatory remarks made during preparations for the Navratri celebration, popularly known as Dandiya Night.
Talking to TrueScoop, one of the students said that the issue began when they approached the Dean to request a change of venue for the programme. The ground allotted for the event was too small, they explained, and they sought permission to shift it. However, instead of considering the request, the Dean allegedly responded with insulting remarks.
According to her, the Dean questioned, “Why do girls want to dance with boys? I can lock up boys and allow only girls to dance.” He also asked, “Who will take responsibility for this event?” before further commenting, “Itna karna hai toh aap hotel book kar lo (If you want to do this, then book a hotel).”
Students clarified that while the matter of extending the event’s timings was also raised initially, it was amicably resolved when they agreed to the schedule fixed by the management. “The timing issue was not the problem. The confrontation happened during the discussion about the venue, when the Dean made those remarks,” a protesting student told TrueScoop.
They described these remarks as offensive and deeply inappropriate, calling them “demeaning, discriminatory and unworthy of an academic leader.” They said such language was not only disrespectful to women but also undermined the sense of security female students should feel on campus.
They further stressed that their protest was not about a single event but about the larger principle of respect, equality, and campus culture. “We cannot accept derogatory behavior from those in positions of responsibility. This is about dignity, fairness and restoring trust in our institution,” a student representative said.
Students informed that on Monday night, after a meeting with Vice Chancellor Dr Susheel Mittal, students agreed to call off their agitation. One of them confirmed that the VC promised to constitute a committee to investigate the incident, with four student representatives as part of the panel. The administration has assured that action will follow based on the committee’s findings.
"For now, we have decided not to resume our protest but to wait for the committee’s formation. Since the university reopens on Monday, we will see what steps the administration takes. We don’t want our academic careers to suffer, but if nothing concrete happens, we will decide our future course of action,” they said.