New Delhi: In a bizarre move, Delhi University’s Miranda House has issued a warning to the School of Open Learning (SOL) students, barring them from “clicking selfies, combing their hair and modeling” on the premises of the heritage college. The notice says that these “activities” might lead to their suspension.
A notice, which has been put up at the college for the SOL students who attend Sunday classes there, states that such activities amount to “misutilisation” of time.
Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, a student association of SOL students, termed the circular “misogynistic” and said that they would take it up with the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).
“Miranda House and its teachers are always fighting to ensure your higher education. We hope that women students benefit from this opportunity and focus on academics. Many women have been seen taking selfies, combing their hair and modeling in the gallery,” the notice put up by the college read.
As per reports, the notice was put up last year in November. “This is misutilisation of time. The college does not give permission for this. If any student is found misutilising their time, they will be suspended from the classes held on that particular day and will be made to leave the college premises,” it added.
Miranda House principal Pratibha Jolly denied all allegations, saying: “College feels deeply anguished. Some students perch dangerously on parapet walls to create selfie portfolios. They were gently advised by staff to focus on attending classes.”
However, SOL director C.S. Dubey said that he had no information about the notice. The move has not been received positively by the students. Both SOL and regular students feel that the notice used a shameful language and that the authorities are trying to play the moral police.
An SOL student studying in Miranda House on the condition of anonymity said: “The move is completely misogynistic. If we are asked to follow this rule, the students who are attending regular classes in the college should also be asked to do the same.”
Mahamedha Nagar final year student at Miranda House: “I have taken selfies with Partibha Mam. It is heartbreaking that the college, which does so much for women’s education, will bother SOL. The notice has not been signed by anyone so I am not sure if it can be taken as an official document. Miranda is a liberal college.”
Dr Abha Dev Habib (Physics professor): “No such notice has been brought to our information as we do not know who has put it up. But even if such a thing is there, as a teacher I do not support such rules.”
Dr Sangeeta Rai (History professor): “I am not aware of any such developments. Personally, I think there shouldn’t be any ban on anything. We all know that clicking selfies is the “in thing” these days. We as teachers should create a culture of learning.
