UGC asks Maharashtra universities to celebrate ABVP leader’s birth centenary

The University Grants Commission has asked universities and colleges in Maharashtra to encourage students to participate in programmes to celebrate the birth centenary of Dattaji Didolkar, the late founder member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the student organisation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh – the parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a circular dated November 21, the University Grants Commission said that Didolkar is an “inspiration” to the students of India.

“He was the founder of many social and other organisations,” The Indian Express quoted the panel as having told the state’s higher educational institutions. “This year is his birth centenary year. In this regard, it is informed that from August 7, 2023, to August 7, 2024, various programmes have been planned to celebrate the birth centenary year of Shraddheya Dattaji Didolkar.”

The letter added, “The higher education institutions in the state of Maharashtra are requested to encourage the youth and students to participate in the programmes.”

The University Grants Commission, a statutory body responsible for maintaining the standards of higher education, reports to the education ministry.

The commission’s request also referred to a letter by Union minister Nitin Gadkari to Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, The Indian Express reported.

Gadkari reportedly said in his letter that...

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