For students at St Agnes College in Mangaluru, the Dasara festival period is a time for family, friends, and religious observances. However, this year, the college administration's decision to schedule undergraduate semester examinations during the festival has sparked a major protest. The exams, set to take place from October 12 to 28, have been met with resistance from students who argue that the timing prevents them from participating in the festivities.
On October 12, 2026, students staged a protest at the college gate, demanding that the administration withdraw its decision and announce a new exam schedule. The protest was not just a spontaneous reaction; it was the culmination of a request made by the students to delay the exams, which was ignored by the administration. The students had asked for a simple accommodation: to delay the exams by a few days to allow for a Dasara holiday.
VIDEO | Karnataka: Students of St Agnes College in Mangaluru hold protest demanding the postponement of exams scheduled during Dasara; ABVP extends support. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/baKBaEunvh
The students were not alone in their protest. The All Bharat Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was present at the protest, lending its support to the students' cause. The ABVP's involvement underscored the significance of the issue, which went beyond a simple scheduling conflict. It highlighted the importance of respecting cultural and religious traditions, particularly in a region where Dasara is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
As one student succinctly put it, "We didn't say we don't want exams, we said delay for a few days.
At the heart of the dispute was the administration's decision to schedule the exams during a time when students would normally be observing the Dasara festival. The students had made their request clear: they were not opposed to taking the exams, but they wanted a brief delay to accommodate their family and religious commitments. As one student succinctly put it, "We didn't say we don't want exams, we said delay for a few days. Now we are refusing to write the exam." This statement captured the essence of the students' grievance and their willingness to find a solution that worked for everyone.
Mangaluru students at St Agnes College are boycotting exams and protesting because tests are scheduled during Dasara. They just want to celebrate the festival with their families. #Dasara #Mangaluru #StudentProtest https://t.co/v69mTzLWAB
The students' protest was not limited to the college gate. They also filed complaints with the District Collector of Dakshina Kannada, seeking external intervention to resolve the dispute. This move indicated that the students were prepared to escalate the issue if their demands were not met. By involving the district authorities, the students hoped to apply pressure on the college administration to reconsider its decision.
Ramlila ground not available now as Dasara is very close
The standoff between the students and the administration at St Agnes College serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting cultural and religious traditions. As the students await a resolution to the dispute, they remain resolute in their demand for a fair and reasonable accommodation. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the students and the college community, highlighting the need for greater understanding and flexibility in academic scheduling.