Students absent as Fergusson celebrates 125 yrs of existence

Former president A P J Abdul Kalam was fond of interacting with students at public functions. But as President Pratibha Patil addressed the Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee function of Fergusson College, students said they were denied entry for security reasons.

Patil was the chief guest at the celebrations to mark 125 years of the college yesterday. Politicians and academicians were invited, but students of the college could not be part of it as the college strictly adhered to the President's security protocol.

"We were told to not come to the venue for security reasons," said a student. "But this was a college function, and students would be interested in the history of the college." A student's father, who attended the function, said, "All leaders, including the President, spoke about the glorious history of the college. It would have given inspiration to my son."

Principal Dr R Pardeshi said, "There was no deliberate attempt to keep students out. We had to follow the President's security protocol by limiting entry. We had to provideu00a0 the names of people to be allowed inside in advance. Also, exams are on, so students were busy, though some came as volunteers."