SPPU to Grant Academic Credits for Kumbh Mela Volunteering; Decision Under Review After Backlash

Pune, 5th February 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has decided to award academic credits to students who assist the administration during the Nashik Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2026–27. The initiative, primarily aimed at colleges in Nashik district, is expected to be finalised in the coming days.

🌟 A Mega-Scale Learning Opportunity

The Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad, requiring massive large-scale planning and coordination. The university administration believes that managing such a colossal human gathering offers an unprecedented real-world learning environment.

Students will be able to actively contribute and gain invaluable hands-on experience in dynamic areas such as:

🤝 Official Approval & Logistics

The progressive proposal to grant credits was moved by SPPU Management Council member Sagar Vaidya and has successfully received formal approval from Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, as well as the collective Management and Academic Councils.

According to university officials, the initiative will provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in macro-administration, strategic planning, and ground-level research. Simultaneously, the energy and skills of the youth will supply much-needed manpower to the authorities. Productive meetings have already been held with the Kumbh Mela administration and police, and further collaborative discussions with college principals will be conducted to finalize the framework.

🗣️ Backlash From Student Organizations

While university officials pitched the idea as an unparalleled opportunity for practical "crowd management and civic service" experience, the decision drew swift and sharp criticism from various student wings and social organizations.

"While student participation in social service is welcome, compensating administrative staff shortages by awarding academic marks is inappropriate. The university must uphold rationality, equality, and secular values, and reconsider this decision."

Critics majorly pointed out the blurring lines between formal education and religious events. Kuldeep Ambekar, President of the Students Helping Hand organization, expressed concerns over the precedent this might set. "Will similar academic credits be extended to students volunteering during other religious or social events?" Ambekar questioned.

🏛️ Protests and Official Response

As discontent grew, representatives of the Republican Sena and the University Student Struggle Action Committee staged protests directly on the SPPU campus. A delegation subsequently met with the vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor, submitting a formal memorandum demanding the withdrawal of the policy.

Following the heavy agitation, university authorities yielded to the pressure, providing a written assurance to the protesting groups that the controversial decision would be reviewed and necessary modifications made.

Despite the backlash, some university voices defended the underlying intent. An official (Kalkar) stated, "Such experiences contribute to the holistic development of students while supporting the administration during a mega event like the Kumbh Mela." Meanwhile, SPPU Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi remained unavailable for official comment on the escalating issue.