CM Mamata, Governor give Presidency a miss

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee gave a miss to the inauguration of bicentenary celebration of Presidency University on Friday. On the other hand, Governor Kesari Nath Tripathi, who is also the university’s chancellor, reportedly did not receive invitation for the event, which was held at Prinsep Ghat.

State education minister Partha Chatterjee was the only representative from the government who attended the celebration.

 “Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has shared her apologies as she could not attend the inaugural ceremony due to an emergency,” said Anuradha Lohia, vice-chancellor of the university, in her opening speech. Surprisingly, the announcement was received with loud cheers from students.

Asked why the governor was not present at the event, Ms Lohia said, “We have not invited him, as he will be attending another programme.” However, their absence did not put a dampener on the programme. The ceremony marked the beginning of the year-long bicentenary celebrations, which began with a musical performance by the university’s choir.

A laser show at the James Prinsep Memorial received a thumps-up from students. The show threw light on the rich history of the college and how it was accorded the status of university in 2010. The show also acknowledged the efforts of its distinguished alumni and their contribution in the society. It was followed by a mesmerising dance performance. About 26 buses took students to the venue from College Street campus.

Sugata Bose, alumnus and chairman of Presidency mentor group, said the university was looking at an “enabling and non-interfering” role of the state government for the educational institute to flourish.

“We want an enabling and non-interfering role of the government for the university to flourish in the coming years,” Mr Bose said in his speech.

Education minister Partha Chatterjee said that state government would continue to extend its full support to the university. The state government has also provided 10 acres of land at Rajarhat for a new campus with all modern facilities.

The government had sanctioned a budget of '10 crore for the year-long bicentenary celebrations and Rs 50 crore to renovate the heritage campus on College Street.