Ramjas principal appeals for peace

New Delhi: A day ahead of his retirement, Rajendra Prasad — the longest serving principal of the Ramjas College — in an emotional appeal termed the recent violence on campus “very unfortunate” and urged the students to “confront ideas and not people”.

“My heart bleeds when Ramjas bleeds, because I have put in 32 years of blood, sweat and tears to bring Ramjas to its present stature,” the principal said in an open letter to students.

“Tomorrow I retire, I wish for nothing in return except that Ramjas remains peaceful, and committed to the glorious future it is destined to set for it,” he added. The appeal from the principal comes after the widespread violence on the Ramjas campus last week.

Calling the incidents of the past week when clashes erupted in the college between two groups as unfortunate, he said the college would do its best to ensure normalcy and safety and security “of all our people”. He also urged the students to uphold and promote a conducive and peaceful atmosphere by restraining from any form of confrontation and strive towards excellent academic atmosphere which the college is known for.  

“Please stay calm and let no one take away your right to study,” Mr Prasad said. “You are the most affected due to any disturbance and should have the biggest stake in peace, because it has direct bearing on your future,” he said.appealing the college community to ensure that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.

The college had on Saturday constituted an inquiry panel to probe the role of Ramjas’ students in the violence even as it took a resolve to stand by the students and teachers who were organisers of the seminar.