Kozhikode: At a time when youngsters are gearing up to celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14, the National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NITC) has issued a circular prohibiting 'public display of affection' on the campus.
The circular issued by NITC's Students' Welfare Dean Prof Rajanikant G K stands in sharp contrast to the 'cow hug appeal' issued on the direction of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
Prof Rajanikant starts his circular by classifying public display of affection (PDA) and "private activities" on campus as an "issue" that can lead to a "negative and hostile environment".
Such activities, whether consensual or not, are not appropriate to be conducted on institute property, said the circular issued by the premier engineering college.
"PDAs and private activities in public spaces can make others feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, which can lead to a negative and hostile environment".
PDAs and engaging in private activities in academic areas, restrooms, and poorly lit areas as well as anywhere on and around the NITC campus can make others feel uncomfortable and distract from the educational environment, it said.
Such acts can also be seen as disrespectful to others and can harm community relations, it said.
The circular also threatens to take disciplinary action against the violators of the institute's policies.
A member of the Students' Affairs Council, said the circular was issued under the pretext of ensuring the welfare of students. "But neither did the dean consult us nor do we know what was the reason for issuing such a circular," he said.
He said there is "no change on the ground" after the circular was issued. "So we have not thought of reacting to it," he said.
Meanwhile, a group of student leaders met Prof Rajanikant on Thursday. "He initially said there were a lot of complaints against PDA. Then he changed his stance and said one student complained," the student said.
"There is no clarity," he said. Importantly, the dean does not define what will constitute PDA and private activities in his 300-word circular, he said.
Four months ago, the institute issued a circular asking students not to go to the residential zone of faculty members. "But this is the first time the dean has explicitly written against PDA," he said.
Calls made to the Dean went unanswered.
If PDA on the NITC campus can make the environment negative, the Union government's Animal Welfare Board in its appeal issued on February 6 said hugging cows will bring emotional richness and will increase "our individual and collective happiness".
It said the "dazzle of western civilisation has made our physical culture and heritage almost forgotten".
The appeal issued by Dr S K Dutta, secretary of the Board, urges "all cow lovers" to celebrate February 14 as "Cow Hug Day keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy".