Tezpur: The student community of Tezpur University has issued a detailed rebuttal rejecting the recent clarification note by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh regarding events surrounding the tribute to Assam’s cultural icon, Late Zubeen Garg.

In a statement spanning nearly 3,000 words, students accused the administration of misrepresentation, dishonesty, and insensitivity during a period of state mourning following the singer’s passing on 19th September.

The controversy erupted after students organized a condolence meeting on 21st September, expressing disappointment over what they described as the administration’s delayed and inadequate response to the death of the popular musician.

In his clarification, the VC stated that he was away from campus from 19th to 22nd September due to a serious family medical emergency and reaffirmed his respect for Zubeen Garg, insisting that any claim of obstruction was “completely incorrect and deeply regrettable.” He added that upon his return, he personally participated in the Shradhanjali Anushthan on 22nd September to pay homage.

Students, however, described the VC’s note as “a cowardly fabrication” and “an insult dressed as an explanation.”

They maintained that the condolence meeting held on 22nd September was organized only after student pressure, and that the administration had prior knowledge of gatherings planned on 19th and 20th September. “Respect delayed under compulsion is not respect at all; it is hypocrisy. Their absence was not silence, it was shameful dereliction,” the student note stated.

The community also alleged that the administration fabricated reports in media outlets and altered dates on the official university website to create a false narrative of compliance, actions they termed “beneath contempt and morally bankrupt.”

Central to the dispute was the Vice-Chancellor’s remark during a video call on 21st September, where he said, “Don’t make things funny” in response to student demands for a written apology.

The VC explained that his words were taken out of context and intended only to emphasize that the solemnity of the condolence should not be diminished. “The words were never intended as a slight to the memory of Zubeen Garg,” he said, adding that he regretted any misunderstanding.

Students rejected this explanation, asserting that the dismissive tone belittled their collective grief and that the administration’s subsequent announcements of a statue, honorary degree, and scholarship were superficial gestures that failed to address their concerns.

The student community further criticized the administration over a typographical error in the first circular announcing class suspension, which misspelled Zubeen Garg’s name as “Jubeen Garg.”

While the VC described it as a human error and apologized, students viewed it as evidence of “shocking insensitivity and administrative rot.”

They also challenged the decision to proceed with the Tezpur University Students’ Council election on 20th September, citing it as a violation of the state-mandated mourning period.

The VC defended the elections, stating that the Returning Officer, in consultation with faculty and the district administration, deemed it necessary for maintaining democratic continuity, and that students were instructed not to hold victory rallies or celebrations. Students, however, accused the administration of prioritizing procedural formalities over empathy, calling it “administrative negligence and moral apathy.”

Another key point of contention was the press release issued by the Public Relations and Information Office (PRIO) before any official condolence took place. The VC claimed it expressed grief and solidarity, but students argued it was “staged and superficial,” misrepresenting his words and disrespecting both the university community and the singer’s legacy.

Students also raised concerns over financial mismanagement, alleging that university funds were misallocated to beautification projects, fencing, and the VC’s residence, while laboratories, hostels, and essential academic resources suffered from neglect.

They criticized the VC’s foreign visits and business-class travel as reflecting a “profound moral disconnect from the realities of the University.” In response, the VC denied any misuse of funds, stating that all financial matters followed government and university rules, were subject to audits, and that his recent visit to Russia was sponsored by the host institution. He welcomed independent inquiries to ensure transparency.

The students’ response also highlighted governance concerns, including the administration’s failure to recognize the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) and the Non-Teaching Association (TUNTA) in official matters.

They insisted both bodies are formally recognized under the Board of Management and the Societies Registration Act, and that the VC’s claim of non-recognition underscored his lack of understanding of institutional structures.

The note concluded with a call for accountability, truth, and genuine dialogue. “True unity cannot be built on misinformation. Dialogue cannot exist without sincerity. Cooperation cannot be demanded when trust is repeatedly broken,” the students wrote.

They demanded the VC step down, citing loss of confidence among students, faculty, and non-teaching staff, and emphasizing that their stand was not influenced by external factors but driven by the pursuit of justice and respect for Assam’s cultural sentiments.

The controversy has sparked widespread discussion in Assam, reflecting deeper tensions between university administrations and student communities in handling sensitive cultural moments.

While the VC emphasized the need for mutual respect, collective responsibility, and maintaining the dignity of the university, students remain adamant that symbolic gestures cannot replace accountability and empathy in leadership.

With the debate ongoing, both sides have called for dialogue, though the students have made it clear that they will not accept any narrative that diminishes their role in honoring Zubeen Garg or glosses over administrative lapses.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by educational institutions in balancing procedural obligations, student activism, and cultural sensitivity, particularly during periods of collective mourning.

As Assam continues to mourn Zubeen Garg’s passing, the Tezpur University episode has become a focal point for discussions on respect, transparency, and governance within academic institutions.

The coming days are likely to determine whether the administration will engage with the student community in a manner that restores trust and honors both the singer’s legacy and the values of the university.

Also Read: Tezpur Uni VC issues clarification, reaffirms ‘Respect for Zubeen Garg’

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