A conclave marking 60 years of lectures by RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya at the Karnataka State Open University campus has escalated into a major confrontation between the Karnataka government and the Raj Bhavan.

On Tuesday, the state government announced it had scrapped the three-day conference, stating that the privately organised event did not align with the university’s objectives or government protocols. Despite this directive, KSOU proceeded with the event. Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot attended the session on Wednesday, while Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the conclave via video conferencing.

The event, titled “Ekatma Manav Darshan: Bharat’s Worldview,” is being held at the university’s convocation hall in Muktagangotri. Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V Halase presided over the inaugural session, although several senior KSOU officials were notably absent.

Organisers claimed they had challenged the government’s cancellation order in the High Court and secured interim relief. According to them, petitioners including Preetesh Jain of NGO Parivartan, Dr Punith Raj of Prajna Pravah, and Madan Gopal of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation approached the court, after which Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum reportedly stayed the government’s order and directed authorities not to interfere. However, this claim could not be independently verified.

Even though KSOU had earlier informed the government that it had no formal association with the event, attendees said the university allowed organisers to use its name and logo in publicity materials.

During the conclave, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that the vision of a developed India by 2047 reflects the ideals of Upadhyaya’s philosophy, which promotes harmony through “dharma.” Governor Gehlot described Ekatma Manav Darshan as “not merely a philosophical concept, but the very foundation of India’s culture, thought and way of life,” calling Upadhyaya a visionary thinker whose ideas remain relevant.

Religious leader Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt also spoke at the event, highlighting Upadhyaya’s commitment to national service despite early hardships.

Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra criticised the Congress government, accusing it of political interference and “hate politics.” He said, “They are even obstructing an event being held at a university. Such political interference in education isn’t good,” further intensifying the political row.

Inputs from TOI 

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