Madras Sanskrit College plans reversion to self-financing institution; students oppose move

The 120-year-old Madras Sanskrit College (MSC) on Thursday announced that it was returning to being a self-financing, private institution. “This transition allows us to stay true to our mission while evolving for the modern world,” it said in a post on social media. In effect, the college is breaking ties with the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), an institution with which it has been associated with for 50 years now.

Most of the Mylapore college’s students, however, are apprehensive of the move and have quietly been opposing it, submitting representations and holding silent protests with placards. “We held a protest on Monday. We have submitted letters to the trustees. We are worried that we may not get exposure to important events such as the Kasi Tamil Sangam and national-level competitions and seminars because of the move. A section of teachers, who are paid by the CSU, have also planned to leave by March 31, when the tie-up ends,” said a student. The students’ body has also posted its concerns on social media hoping for some kind of solution.