In a move to press for the integration of the Fine Arts department with Puducherry Technological University, students from the Fine Arts Department of Bharathiar University have begun a hunger strike today (January 21, 2025). The students are protesting against the decision by the Department of Art and Culture to classify the Fine Arts degree course (Arts and Crafts) under Arts and Science education rather than technical education.
The students are calling for the following demands:
- The integration of the Fine Arts Department under technical education at Puducherry Technological University.
- The reversal of the letter issued by the Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture that proposes changing the course structure.
- Ensuring that the Arts and Crafts course receives AICTE approval every year to maintain its status as a technical education course.
- Action against former Chief Minister P.V. Bose, who provided false documents claiming Fine Arts does not belong under technical education, which misled the Department of Art and Culture.
During previous protests, the Director of the Department of Art and Culture and the Member Secretary of Bharathiar University had agreed to the students' demands and assured in writing that the issue would be addressed promptly. However, the students claim that no action has been taken so far. As a result, they have launched the hunger strike and warned of further protests if their demands are not fulfilled.
The students are determined to continue their fight to protect the integrity and future of the Fine Arts courses, emphasizing the need for its rightful place in technical education.
