Writers Urge CM Against Horticulture University VC's Religious Invitation
Over 50 writers and activists have petitioned the Chief Minister against the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot. They cite the VC's use of official letterhead for a mandatory religious ceremony invitation as a violation of secular principles.
Key takeaways
- Over 50 writers and activists have written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot.
- They object to the Vice-Chancellor using his official letterhead and signature to invite university staff and students to a religious ceremony.
- The activists consider this an indirect imposition of religious practices and a violation of secular principles.
- The writers demand the Vice-Chancellor's suspension and a ban on religious ceremonies in institutional names or government buildings.
What Happened
More than 50 writers, thinkers, and activists have formally communicated their objections to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the actions of Vishnu Vardhan, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot. The complaint centers on the Vice-Chancellor's use of his official letterhead and signature to invite the university community to a series of religious ceremonies at his official residence.
The signatories alleged that attendance at the Sri Satyanarayana Puja, Navagraha Shanti Homa, and Sri Mahaganapati Puja Programme was presented as mandatory for all officers, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students. This invitation, extended on behalf of his family, was perceived as an indirect imposition of religious practices on a public institution.
Why It Matters
The writers contend that mixing personal faith with the operations of a public institution is inappropriate for public officials. They argue that while personal religious beliefs are not objectionable, their promotion through official university channels, official letterhead, and the Vice-Chancellor's signature constitutes a misuse of power. Such actions, they stated, contravene the spirit of India's secular and democratic constitution and government service rules, which encourage scientific inquiry and aim for universities to transcend caste, religion, and beliefs.
The activists expressed concern that this practice is becoming common in state universities, with government-appointed Chancellors acting as officiants for religious events. They believe this situation prevents subordinates and students from refusing such invitations without fear of reprisal.
Key Facts
- Over 50 writers, thinkers, and activists sent a letter to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
- The letter opposes Vishnu Vardhan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot.
- The objection is based on the Vice-Chancellor inviting the public to a religious ceremony using his official letterhead.
- The invitation was for a Sri Satyanarayana Puja, Navagraha Shanti Homa, and Sri Mahaganapati Puja Programme at his official residence on campus.
- Signatories alleged the invitation made attendance mandatory for officers, staff, and students.
- The Vice-Chancellor signed the invitation, which was attached to an email sent to the Chief Minister.
- The writers stated that mixing individual faith with public institution functioning is inappropriate for public officials.
- They argued that using official university resources for personal religious practices is condemnable and against constitutional spirit and service rules.
- The writers demanded the Vice-Chancellor's suspension and directives to all universities and colleges prohibiting religious ceremonies in the name of institutions or in government buildings.
- Several individuals, including Basavaraj Sulibhavi, Niranjanaradhya V.P., Anil Hosamani, H.S. Anupama, Chandrakanth Vaddu, Sanat Kumar Belagali, Gangadhar Hiregutti, B. Suresh, Veerabhadrappa, Mudnakuda Chinnaswamy, Nataraja S. Budalu, Vasundhara Bhupathi, Vijayamma, K. Phaniraj, and Rajendra Potdar, signed the letter.
- The report was published on August 12, 2026.
Background
The constitution of India promotes inquiry and scientific spirit, with universities envisioned as centers of knowledge that should transcend religious and caste boundaries. The writers argue that using the authority of a public institution head to enforce religious practices violates these foundational principles and state service rules.
What Happens Next
The writers are demanding that the government suspend the Vice-Chancellor. They also seek official orders for all universities and colleges across the state to refrain from conducting religious ceremonies in the name of the institution or within government buildings.
Story by Project Chintan
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