MUMBAI: While colleges are expected to dissuade students from alcohol and other drugs, the principal of Malad-based MKES Law College has told students to “carry” some liquor with them while going for an industrial visit to Nainital.
According to the students, the principal reasoned that it was a very cold place and if they consumed alcohol, they would get protection from the severe cold.
“I don’t know if this was supposed to be funny or sarcastic or if she (principal) was actually serious when she said this but her exact words were – ‘you should carry some liquor or alcohol with you because the place is very cold and when consumed, it will protect you from the severe cold’,” said a student from the college on condition of anonymity. Students said that the statement was for both boys and girls.
After classes, several girls went to meet the college trustees to complain about the statement made by Vandana Dube.
However, as per the students, the trustees did not take it seriously and asked the students to “follow the instruction given by the principal”.
Even though Ms Dube did not respond to any of the calls made by The Asian Age on Saturday, Dr Ancy Jose, head of the institution, Nagindas Khandwala College, told this newspaper, “Will any principal ask such kind of things from students? In fact, before going on such trips, we thoroughly check the students to prevent them from carrying any such thing because it is dangerous. As far as Ms Dube is concerned, she is a very strict and no-nonsense person, so she won't say any such thing to the students.”
Sachin Pawar, president of Students Law Council, MU, who received several complaints from the MKES students said, “If any untoward incident happens who will take the responsibility of the students? It is also an offence to carry such thing during transit.”
