The College of Arts & Crafts on Wednesday celebrated its 78th foundation day but the event was by students for students.
Students of the college, which is affiliated to Patna University, neither invited varsity functionaries such as vice-chancellor Y.C. Simhadri nor did the administration provide funds to the college for the celebrations.
Sources at the art cradle said the institute, which was set up on January 25, 1939, senior administrative heads have been participating at the foundation day.
On April 12, 1977, when the institution became a part of Patna University, either the VC or pro-VC had been attending the foundation day events as chief guests.
This year, students were miffed over a last-year agitation. The art cradle was on the boil for 80 days from May 1. The students said the wound hasn't healed because it was because of Simhadri that they had to face trouble.
The college students were on strike in support of their demands, which included removal of then principal Chandra Bhooshan Shriwastava, revocation of suspension of eight students, withdrawal of "fake" cases lodged against students and improvement of academic and infrastructure facilities.
The students claimed they ended their agitation after the university promised to fulfil their demands, but some of them are yet to be met with.
Painting student Vishendra Kumar said: "Our demand was removal of college principal Shriwastava and appointment of a regular principal. But Shriwastava went on leave for a few months and later an in-charge principal was appointed."
Echoing the views of Vishendra, another painting student Mitesh Kumar said: "We decided to celebrate the foundation day keeping it a students' affair. The college administration had planned to invite the VC and registrar (G.K. Pillai), but when we came to know about the decision we protested."
The students made it clear to the college administration that if the VC or any other senior administrative officials are called, they will boycott the event.
Sensing the situation and earlier incidents when students had gone on the 80-day strike in front of the college campus with students not even allowing teachers to enter classes, in-charge principal Shashi Ranjan informed the university administration about the situation.
Ranjan said: "When we came to know about students boycotting the varsity authorities for the foundation day celebrations, we informed the university about it. Finally, the varsity decided not to participate in the celebrations."
When contacted, vice-chancellor Simhadri said: "I am busy. Can't talk."
Since none of the senior university officials were part of the foundation day, even teachers and the in-charge principal decided to desist from the event.
Protocol permits the VC, who is the head of the institution and the registrar, to participate in such events.
