The circular issued by the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has taken everyone by surprise. It states that the only students who are vegetarian and do not consume alcohol will be eligible for gold medals given by SPPU.
The circular lists 10 conditions to be eligible for the Maharishi Keertankar Shelar Mama Gold Medal, which is sponsored by a donor.
The seventh rule in the draft states that the student should be a non-drinker and a vegetarian. Other conditions listed are that the student to believe in Indian culture, practice Indian tradition and value in their everyday lives.
The student should be well versed with skills like dancing , singing and theatre. Also the students who practice Yoga and Pranayama and meditation will be given preference.
The decision has faced backlash from not only students but also from the likes of NCP leader, Supriya Sule who tweeted, “Shocking disappointing decision by Pune University – so proud of education in our state. What has happened to our universities? Please focus on Education not food (sic).”
Shocking disappointing decision by Pune University – so proud of education in our state, What has happened to our universities . Please focus on Education not food.
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) November 10, 2017
