Mangaluru, 12 October

Scores of St Agnes College students in Mangaluru staged a protest outside the campus gates on Monday against the college administration for scheduling tests during the Dasara holidays.

The examinations, scheduled from October 12 to 28, have drawn severe flak from students who argue that the timing directly clashes with traditional regional celebrations, depriving them of the opportunity to participate.

Despite attempts by the police to pacify the crowd and disperse the demonstrators, the standoff persisted outside the gates while examinations continued for those who chose to enter, heightening concerns among boycotting peers over the potential academic penalties.

The police told PTI that about 100 students blocked the college main gate and held their protest in a peaceful manner. They later vacated the site.

Yielding partially to student pressure, the college administration has postponed today's examination alongside those scheduled for 12 and 22 October. Bringing the total to 5 holidays declared by the college administration.

However, despite the college authorities’ assurances, the students, backed by the all-India student organisation Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), have submitted a memorandum to the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner seeking immediate intervention. The memorandum condemns the college management for being insensitive to local festivities.