February 27, 2026 : An international conference at Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur was disrupted on Friday morning as an ongoing student hunger strike at the main gate spilled over into the campus proceedings. The incident has also brought renewed scrutiny over the work culture under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal.

Two students, Sarthak Mishra and Sudip Shastri, have been on an indefinite hunger strike since Thursday afternoon. They are demanding removal of the entry ban imposed on them and revocation of their admission cancellation. The protest continued into Friday, coinciding with the inauguration of an international conference organized in collaboration with the International Centre for Cultural Studies.

Attempt to Remove Students Sparks Tension

As vehicular movement increased due to the conference, university authorities reportedly attempted to shift the protesting students from the main gate, citing inconvenience to guests and participants. Security personnel and police reached the spot and tried to persuade the students to end their protest.

However, the students remained firm, stating that their agitation is peaceful and focused solely on seeking justice in a matter pending for four months. The attempt to remove them led to heated exchanges and tension at the entrance in the morning hours.

University officials had earlier placed a condition before the students, asking them to submit a written undertaking that they would refrain from participating in political activities in the future. The students, in turn, demanded a written assurance confirming restoration of their admission. With neither side willing to concede in writing, talks failed to reach a resolution.

Despite disagreement, both parties had agreed that no aggressive protest would be carried out during the conference. The hunger strike, however, continued at the main gate.

Students Allege Prolonged Delay and Mental Pressure

The protesting students claim they have been given repeated assurances over the last four months, but no concrete decision has been taken. According to them, instead of issuing a final order, the administration has been extending an “observation period,” which has only increased their academic uncertainty and mental stress.

They maintain that multiple memorandums and requests for meetings have gone unanswered in terms of final action. The students have reiterated that their protest remains non-violent and is aimed at securing a clear, time-bound decision.

Conference Overshadowed by Absence of Dignitaries

The two-day international conference, themed around rethinking traditions, was formally inaugurated on Friday. Several prominent political figures had reportedly been invited, including Chhattisgarh Hon’ble Governor Ramen Deka, Hon’ble Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and Hon’ble Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

However, none of them attended the event. Even Hon’ble Shri Tokhan Sahu, who was invited as a special guest, did not participate.

The Hon’ble chief guest, C. R. Mukunda, Joint General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, addressed the gathering virtually instead of being physically present. The absence of high-profile dignitaries became a topic of discussion across campus.

Low Foreign Participation Raises Financial Concerns

The university reportedly made extensive arrangements for foreign delegates, including flight bookings, transport coordination with around 75 hired Innova vehicles, and accommodation at premium hotels such as Courtyard by Marriott Bilaspur. Faculty members and officers were assigned logistical responsibilities for receiving guests.

Despite these preparations and significant expenditure, many hotel rooms remained unoccupied as several international invitees did not attend. This has triggered internal criticism regarding planning, financial prudence, and administrative decision.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

The sequence of events, including the unresolved student issue, public confrontation at the university gate, absence of invited dignitaries, and lower-than-expected foreign participation, has led to growing criticism within sections of the academic community.

Many on campus are attributing the situation not merely to logistical challenges but to what they describe as shortcomings in the Vice-Chancellor’s work culture and administrative work approach. According to critics, proactive engagement and timely decision-making could have prevented both the prolonged student agitation and the negative optics during an international event. As of now, the students continue their indefinite hunger strike at the main gate, while the conference proceeds under a cloud of controversy.