New Delhi: Renowned Indian classical dancer Sonal Mansingh lashed out at Delhi University over the removal of extracurricular activity quota for this year's admissions.
"If we have such a system that motivates young talent and promotes art and culture, it should be carried forward and not abolished. I am sad and disappointed with this decision," she said adding that "The University must reconsider its decision for the hundreds of students waiting for admission."
Mansingh further expressed concern over the government's treatment of sports and cultural events differently and said that this decision is sending out a wrong message to the world.
"We are promoting sports and asking more-and-more people to participate in them but we are barring young people to indulge in art. India is known for its cultural heritage and this decision is sending a wrong message to the world," she said.
The Padma Bhushan awardee began her journey in the 1960s and over the years took over the world with her dance. Her art form won her several awards including the Padma Bhushan. She founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) in 1977 where she trains hundreds of students in Bharatnatyam and Odissi. She has also been nominated by the President of India to become a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
In an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat's Regional Editor Braj Mohan Singh, Sonal Mansingh said that the Delhi University's decision to not conduct any admission in the extracurricular activity (ECA) quota this year because of COVID-19 pandemic should be withdrawn.
The Delhi University had decided in June that they will not be giving out admissions under the extracurricular activities (ECA) quota this year. It was a unanimous decision taken in view of the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the country in its claws.
Here are the highlights from the interview:
Q. The Delhi University is not taking any admissions under the Extracurricular Activity (ECA) quota this year. What do you think is the probable cause behind this and who do you think is responsible?
A. I am totally unaware of who might be behind this decision. People brought this issue to me last Monday. Students expressed their disappointment over not getting to pursue their interests. This saddened and disappointed me. If we have such a system that motivates young talent and promotes art and culture, it should be carried forward and not abolished. A lot of students who have trained under me have got admission under the ECA over the years and they have been happy about it. Delhi University must reconsider its decision for the hundreds of students waiting for admission. We are promoting sports and asking more-and-more people to participate in them but we are barring young people to perform art. India is known by its cultural heritage and this decision is sending a wrong message to the globe.
Q. Delhi University comes under the Centre's affiliation. Why do you think would the Centre influence such a decision?
A. I don't know where the interests of the Centre lie. All I know is they have presented the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing norms as the reason. On our part, we have sent out letters to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's office demanding similar norms for sports and cultural events. If social distancing is the reason behind all this, it is not justifiable.
Q. Have you received any response from the Parliament House, vice-president's office or the HRD Ministry?
A. The Parliament has nothing to do with the issue. I think our letters have been forwarded to the Vice-President's office. The board members also stand in support of the ECA.
