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In a dramatic display of protest, students of Kala Sangit Bhavan Boy’s Hostel at Visva-Bharati University organized a symbolic funeral procession for a faulty water cooler, marching from their hostel to the Proctor’s Office to highlight concerns over unsafe drinking water.

Carrying the defunct cooler like a bier, the students turned a routine grievance into a powerful visual statement. The protest, they said, was the result of repeated complaints about the unhygienic condition of the water cooler and the poor quality of water it supplied—complaints that allegedly went unaddressed by the authorities.

“We have been raising this issue for a long time, but no action has been taken,” a student involved in the protest said. “The water is not safe to drink, and it directly affects our health. This was our way of showing how serious the situation has become.”

The demonstration culminated at the Proctor’s Office, where students reiterated their demand for immediate intervention, repair or replacement of the faulty equipment, and a long-term solution to ensure access to clean drinking water in the hostel.

The protest at Shantiniketan reflects a wider pattern of student unrest across Indian campuses over basic amenities, particularly water quality. Similar symbolic protests have been reported at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where student groups staged a mock funeral for non-functional water filters in hostel premises, demanding urgent repairs and accountability.

Concerns over drinking water are not new. Reports from University of Bhopal have previously highlighted complaints from hostel residents about impure water, with students raising alarms about potential health risks due to contamination. In another incident in Pune, protests intensified after a student reportedly died following an electric shock from a water cooler, further underscoring safety lapses linked to poorly maintained infrastructure.

Media reports and past incidents also point to a history of student agitations at Visva-Bharati. Coverage by The Telegraph has documented previous campus protests, including disputes over student spaces and infrastructure issues. Water-related concerns have surfaced intermittently, indicating that the current protest is part of a continuing struggle over basic facilities.

Other institutions have faced similar challenges. At Indian Statistical Institute, hostel residents have reported frequent breakdowns of water coolers, forcing students to depend on alternative—and often unhygienic—sources. Meanwhile, a jaundice outbreak at VIT Bhopal University in 2025 triggered protests over sanitation and water quality, highlighting the potential health consequences of neglect.

Together, these incidents point to a broader, pan-India issue where infrastructure maintenance in student hostels often lags behind basic needs. Despite growing investments in higher education, essential services like safe drinking water continue to be a recurring concern.

For the students at Kala Sangit Bhavan Boy’s Hostel, the symbolic “funeral” was more than just a protest—it was a call for accountability. As one student put it, “We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for something as basic as clean water.”

With the issue now in the spotlight, students hope that authorities will take swift action to address their concerns and prevent further escalation.

Many universities in India have started to realise that the conventional means of outreach, the so-called 3-b's (brochures, billboards, and broadcast ads), can be ineffective in delivering the message to the intended audience at the right time leading to a loss of opportunities for both parties.

The 2026 Edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit plans to usher in a new era in higher education promotion. The summits switch from passive marketing to actively pulling students already considering their academic paths.

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On the other hand, universities are not restricted within the boundaries of their booths or the walls of their presentations at the summit. They have impromptu roles in workshops, in assessing student competitions, and in welcoming open students who have already shown their interests by signing up for entrance tests. That means, the talk, being individually tailored, happens naturally, and is mutually engaged and in sync with the student's ambitions.

The credibility of the Edinbox Summit lies in its unmatched characteristics of uniting various stakeholders. Universities meet not just students but the school principals and counselors who are the decision catalysts for the higher education choices of hundreds of families annually. This multi-layered exchange morphs the gathering into a strong trust-building and sustained visibility platform for the institutions.

Compared to cold outreach tactics where schools are competing for the students' attention, this summit creates warm, intentional connections among different parties. Students who attend this kind of event are looking for information, learning about courses, and comparing schools - which means they are very likely to become serious applicants.

The summit is also a very efficient way to build a strategic admissions pipeline. Thanks to the flow of natural conversations, universities are able to single out high-value students, build a funnel of leads, and keep the early engagement going even after the event has ended. For those schools that want to increase enrolment quality and not just quantity, this method will give them a major edge.

Participants have the opportunity to interact with more than 2,000 students who represent a wide array of academic disciplines but who are all united by a common goal of higher education and career development. On the other hand, schools also get the chance to meet and build networks with the most important school principals, a move which will pave the way for deeper institutional partnerships.

Besides, the platform enables schools to have specially arranged workshop sessions where the university faculty can highlight their expertise, the strengths of their teaching staff, and their unique programme offerings in an engaging manner. Besides raising the institution's profile, it also helps in establishing the institution as the go-to experts within their areas of focus.

With brand visibility opportunities created throughout the summit, universities can keep their presence visibly strong. Plus, the B2B conclave is a great way of strengthening the institutional partnerships thus paving the way for collaborations outside of just student admissions, a point which should not be overlooked.

As higher education continues to evolve, the need for authentic engagement is becoming increasingly clear. The Edinbox Summit 2026 reflects this shift—moving from one-way communication to meaningful dialogue.

For universities looking to build stronger connections, improve lead quality, and create lasting impact, the message is simple: stop broadcasting, start connecting.

“Modern learning tools like digital and STEM labs will help our students engage with science and technology,” said Ujjwal K. Chowdhury.

Vivekananda Adarsha Vidyalaya hosted its annual cultural program along with the inauguration of a new STEM lab, marking a significant step toward strengthening rural education in the Sundarbans region. The event saw the presence of several distinguished guests from Kolkata, including professionals from the education, corporate, and social sectors.

Among those present were Dipanjan Bandyopadhyay (Head CSR, Petronet LNG Limited), Ratri Banerjee (Senior Branch Manager, Bank of India), Srinjini Mukhopadhyay (General Manager, United Way of Kolkata), Akash Ghuowalewala (Company Secretary, Touax Texmaco Railcar Leasing Pvt. Ltd.), Saurav Roy (Principal Director, Defence Estates, Eastern Command, Ministry of Defence), Birendra Adhikari (Block Development Officer, Kultali), Swapan Biswas (Officer-in-Charge, Kultali Police Station), retired IPS officers Sujit Sarkar and Tarun Kumar Mukhopadhyay, along with several other eminent personalities including former ISRO scientist Dr. Debashish Chakraborty.

The school, run by the Smt. Anu Chowdhury Memorial Foundation, was established in 2007 by former MLA Joykrishna Haldar of the Kultali Assembly constituency. Built on land donated by Kolkata University professor Dr. Sudip Bhattacharya, the institution currently operates as a private, non-aided school with around 14 teachers educating nearly 300 students.

Foundation President Joykrishna Haldar emphasized the broader role of education in rural India. He stated that education must not only empower young minds but also strengthen the social fabric of communities. Over the past year, the school has significantly expanded its infrastructure, including the addition of STEM and digital laboratories, improved sports facilities, and environmental learning spaces such as a kitchen garden and biodiversity park.

Professor Ujjwal K. Chowdhury, Secretary of the Foundation, highlighted the importance of holistic education. He noted that learning should extend beyond textbooks and foster curiosity, creativity, and empathy. The introduction of STEM and digital labs has transformed how students interact with science and technology through hands-on experiments, collaborative learning, and digital tools. He also stressed the importance of sports, arts, and environmental initiatives in building confidence, discipline, and ecological awareness among students.

Located in a remote corner of the Sundarbans—where life is shaped by rivers, forests, and challenges—the school has been quietly transforming the futures of hundreds of children. Inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, the institution aims to prepare students not just for exams, but for life.

The past year has marked notable progress, including new learning laboratories, expanded sports initiatives, environmental education programs, and improved academic outcomes. These achievements reflect the collective efforts of teachers, students, parents, community members, and supporters.

Principal Debashish Das, associated with the school since 2022, pointed out that access to quality education remains limited in rural Sundarbans. He emphasized the need for institutions like Vivekananda Adarsha Vidyalaya to continue growing. Beyond classrooms, the school offers facilities such as a library, STEM and digital labs, auditorium, science hall, art exhibition space, and guest house. Plans for further expansion are already underway.

Additionally, the school integrates nature-based and vocational learning, supported by its surrounding environment, which includes nearly 70 bighas of mangrove forest and 40 bighas of wetlands.

Overall, the institution stands as a model of grassroots educational development in Sankizahan, Sundarbans—strengthening access to quality education and shaping future leaders in one of India’s most remote regions.

From missed meals to postponed exams, students across India say a worsening LPG shortage is quietly upending daily life in hostels and campuses, forcing institutions to improvise and students to cope with growing uncertainty.

At Jawaharlal Nehru University, a postgraduate student described how hostel kitchens have struggled to maintain regular meal timings. “Breakfast is often delayed, and dinner gets pushed late into the night. Some days, the food just isn’t enough,” she said. “We are adjusting, but it’s exhausting.”

In colleges under University of Delhi, students echoed similar concerns. “Our mess shifted to induction cooking for a few days. That slowed everything down,” said a student from Miranda House. “We had classes at 9 am but breakfast wasn’t ready till 10. Eventually, some classes were moved online because students simply couldn’t manage both.”

The ripple effects are being felt far beyond the capital. In Madhya Pradesh, students at state universities reported sudden holidays being declared or internal exams postponed due to non-functional mess facilities. “There was no gas in the hostel for two days. The administration called it a ‘temporary disruption’ and cancelled classes,” said a student from Bhopal. “But for us, it’s becoming routine.”

At Visva-Bharati University, where students recently staged a symbolic protest over drinking water, frustrations over fuel shortages are also surfacing. “Some days, you’re not sure if you’ll get a proper meal,” said a hostel resident. “We are managing studies, health, and now even food availability.”

Institutes like Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and several National Institutes of Technology have begun experimenting with alternatives such as solar cookers and biogas plants. While these solutions offer promise, students say the transition phase has been difficult. “It’s not seamless. Meals take longer, and sometimes the quality suffers,” said an engineering student.

In Banaras Hindu University and Aligarh Muslim University, administrations have shifted to bulk LPG procurement, negotiating directly with suppliers like Indane for priority allocations. Yet, supply gaps persist, with reports suggesting that many campuses are receiving 20–30% fewer cylinders than required.

Students say the burden is increasingly being passed on to them. “Mess fees have gone up because LPG prices are nearing ₹1,200 per cylinder,” said a student from Pune, referring to protests at Savitribai Phule Pune University. “We’re paying more but getting less.”

In response, hostels have introduced rationing measures—limiting menus, sharing community kitchens, and cutting down on fuel-intensive dishes. But these stopgap solutions have sparked frustration. “You can’t run a university like this,” a student said. “We’re here to study, but we’re constantly dealing with survival issues.”

Regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission have urged institutions to conduct energy audits and explore sustainable alternatives. However, implementation remains uneven, particularly in rural campuses where infrastructure upgrades are more complex.

For many students, the crisis is no longer just about fuel—it’s about the cumulative strain on academic life. “When meals are delayed, classes shift online, and exams get postponed, it disrupts everything,” said a student from Delhi. “Education doesn’t happen in isolation. It depends on basic systems working.”

As campuses scramble for solutions, students across India are making one thing clear: the LPG crisis is not just an operational challenge—it is a lived reality affecting their health, finances, and future.

In a space where most education events serve just one group, the edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit 2026 probably stands out by uniting universities, school leaders, and students in one place - offering real value to each side and helping strengthen the whole system. This one-day gathering isn't just about attending. It's meant to build actual connections that go beyond casual chats.

For universities, the summit gives direct access to around 3,500 students who are actively choosing colleges. They don't get pitches through brochures or online ads - they've face-to-face talks with students who've already signed up for entrance tests. School principals are also key players: they influence hundreds of young people annually, so engaging with them turns this event into a solid foundation for long-term admissions growth.

Conversely, school principals get an extraordinary chance to broaden their conversation about education for the future. One way to do this is by conversing with university directors and education specialists where principal leaders exchange new ideas, get familiar with newly emerging trends, and at the same time, enhance their leadership skills in mentoring students in an even more efficient manner. Moreover, the gathering presents their principals with a wonderful resourceful experience that is not limited to students' classwork only but also introduces the students to the academic and career paths in the real world.

Most importantly, focus on the students, who through the summit get a stage for them to discover themselves, compete, and make thoughtful choices. They may decide on a university that they did not even think off before. Also, students have an opportunity to take part in live contests and have face-to-face communication with schools and experts. One of the best features is that students can enrol and do All India Entrance Tests right there. These tests are accepted by more than 200 universities in India. So, the students can take the test as soon as their interest is piqued.

The Edinbox Summit 2026 brings together universities, schools, and students in one place where goals actually meet. Universities see student dreams clearly. Schools get exact data on what's next in higher ed. Students walk away knowing exactly what to expect. Instead of just talking about education, the summit lets everyone build it together. It isn't a lecture; it's a real-time design session for the future of learning.

Bengaluru saw a disturbing event where Islamophobia was allegedly demonstrated in an academic environment when a teacher at PES University reportedly insulted a Muslim student by making disparaging remarks against him during the class. The matter, which soon became a topic on social media, has resulted in police involvement and the lockdown of the professor by the university officials. The professor named Muralidhar Deshpande is said to have called the student Affan a "terrorist" more than 13 times during a lecture in which around 60 students were present. A video of the classroom incident, which was secretly filmed on a mobile phone on March 24, went viral resulting in an uproar from all quarters.

As per the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) who filed the complaint, the professor also made other malicious remarks like "The Iran war happened because of people like you, " "Trump will take you away, " and "You are idiots, you will go to hell." These words apparently made the student and the other people in the class feel hostile and humiliated. The university management responsed very quickly to the criticism and put Deshpande on suspension awaiting the investigation of the case. The decision is a sign to students, parents, and staff that such behaviour like discrimination or inciting hatred is not allowed by the institution.

The incident was reported to law enforcement on March 27 when Lakshya Raj, NSUI's Bengaluru Central District president, filed a complaint against the professor. Plus, the girinagar Police opened a non-cognisable report instead of an FIR. Plus, The student was sent back when he tried to go to the station. That silence kicked off backlash from students and civil society groups. Critics said there was no urgency in the response.

Monitoring the video, head constable Ravikumar T N saw it online. No formal request was needed Police acted immediately. They filed a suo motu case against Deshpande under Section 299 of the indian Penal Code for acts meant to outrage religious sentiments. Now, Section 352 is also included for intentional insults causing unrest. The Bengaluru Non-cognisable Summons Act (BNS), 2023, is cited too. Investigation continues.

Who controls the classroom footage? The complainant says it was deleted. That footage could be vital evidence. This raises questions about transparency in how universities handle sensitive events and how police respond on campus.

The Students Islamic Organisation of india (SIO), Karnataka chapter, called it Islamophobia in academic settings. Mohammed Hayyan, SIO's state secretary, said such actions break basic rules of inclusivity and respect in education. The group wants the professor removed immediately and faces legal action. But they also want the state government to improve checks and make sure no discrimination happens on campus.

The episode highlights broader challenges in maintaining a safe and respectful environment in educational institutions, underscoring the need for proactive measures against harassment and bias. With increasing awareness and advocacy, stakeholders hope incidents like this prompt both legal and institutional reforms to ensure campuses remain inclusive spaces for all students.