HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 5: In a strong and detailed rebuttal, the student community of Tezpur University has issued a press note rejecting the recent ‘Clarification Note’ issued by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, over the controversy surrounding the University’s response to the demise of Assamese cultural icon, Late Zubeen Garg.
The students alleged that the clarification issued by the administration was misleading, insincere, and filled with factual inaccuracies. They claimed it failed to address the real concerns raised by the student body, and instead, attempted to divert attention through half-truths, superficial gestures, and administrative technicalities.
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The controversy began when the University administration delayed conducting an official condolence for Zubeen Garg after his passing on September 19, 2025. According to the students, despite early initiatives taken by them, the administration showed no urgency or sincerity in commemorating the late singer, who held immense emotional and cultural significance for the people of Assam. A tribute held on September 22 was termed by the students as a “forced” move prompted by widespread student outrage.
The administration’s claim, as per the clarification note, that a condolence was conducted earlier on September 21, was rejected by the students, who labeled it a “fabricated lie.” They also accused the authorities of manipulating the University website and planting misleading reports in the media to cover up administrative failures.
One of the central points of contention was a comment allegedly made by the Vice-Chancellor during a video call with students. The VC reportedly said, “It’s a Central University, don’t make things funny,” in a tone that students found dismissive and disrespectful. The students asserted that the comment was not misunderstood, as claimed in the clarification note, but was clearly heard by dozens present at the time.
Further criticism was directed at the University’s decision to go ahead with the Tezpur University Students’ Council (TUSC) elections on September 20, during the official three-day state mourning declared by the Assam Government. The students viewed this move as a mark of gross insensitivity and accused the administration of disregarding public sentiment and state protocol.
Another issue raised was a spelling error in an official circular related to Zubeen Garg’s condolence meeting. Students claimed that instead of taking responsibility, the VC responded dismissively during a meeting, saying, “Chup Raho Yaar and Apology for what?” They saw this not as a mere clerical error, but as symbolic of the administration’s careless and disrespectful attitude.
The clarification further attempts to justify the delay in notifying class suspension by citing a “wrongly typed email ID.” The students claim that the truth is plain to everyone that the University only scrambled to send that belated notification after social media backlash exposing the continuation of classes went viral. The students also questioned the legitimacy of an official press release issued by the Public Relations Office of the University, which reportedly attributed false quotes to the Vice-Chancellor and was released before any actual tribute was conducted on campus. They called this an attempt to mislead the public and undermine genuine expressions of grief.
Serious allegations were also raised concerning the misuse of university funds and questionable administrative priorities. The students accused the administration of focusing on non-essential beautification projects while basic infrastructure in hostels, laboratories, and classrooms remained neglected. They pointed out that essential amenities were lacking across departments, even as large sums were spent on tiling, fencing, and the VC’s bungalow. The issue of non-renewal of guest faculty contracts was also highlighted, which, according to the students, has resulted in research scholars being forced to take on teaching responsibilities without compensation.
In response to the Vice-Chancellor’s claim that the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) is not a recognised body, the students cited Board of Management records to prove otherwise, stating that such a claim reveals the VC’s ignorance of the University’s own structures.
Calling for the immediate resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, the student body stated that he had lost the trust of students, faculty, and non-teaching staff. They appealed for a leadership that reflects the values of integrity, empathy, and accountability.
In their concluding remarks, the students clarified that their movement was not influenced by external forces or personal vendettas, but rooted in a genuine demand for transparency, respect, and justice. They urged all stakeholders of the University to stand united in upholding truth and dignity.
The press note ends with a call for introspection and collective responsibility, stating that the University’s future lies in reclaiming its moral compass and restoring the faith of its community.
