Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Student Groups Oppose WAHA Seminar at YCMOU; VC Assures Cancellation
Some student groups objected to a seminar planned at Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University.
The seminar was to involve an organisation called the World Association of Hindu Academicians, or WAHA.
The students said a public university should remain neutral toward political and religious ideologies.
They asked the university to cancel the September 6 event.
They also asked that university facilities not be given to similar organisations in the future.
The vice-chancellor said he did not know all the details about the event.
He promised to investigate and make sure the seminar would not happen.
The students said they would protest if the promise was not followed.
Student groups opposed a September 6 international seminar at YCMOU involving the World Association of Hindu Academicians.
The groups argued that WAHA’s involvement could promote a political-religious ideology at a constitutionally secular university.
Representatives submitted a memorandum to Vice-Chancellor Dr Sanjeev Sonawane on August 31.
Sonawane said he was not fully informed about the event and assured them he would ensure it did not take place.
The groups warned of statewide protests and sought a police complaint if WAHA used YCMOU’s name or logo without permission.
- Who
- The Progressive Student Action Committee and affiliated student organisations opposed the event; Vice-Chancellor Dr Sanjeev Sonawane responded.
- What
- A planned international seminar involving the World Association of Hindu Academicians was opposed, and the vice-chancellor assured students it would be cancelled.
- When
- The memorandum was submitted on August 31; the seminar was scheduled for September 6.
- Where
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University in Nashik.
- Why
- The student groups said involving WAHA could compromise the secular character of a public university and promote a specific political-religious ideology.
Student groups’ objections
University response
Whether the seminar should proceed
Student groups’ objections
The student groups demanded immediate cancellation, arguing that WAHA’s involvement was inconsistent with the university’s secular and inclusive role.
University response
The vice-chancellor said he was not fully informed about the event and assured the committee that he would investigate and ensure it did not take place.
Future use of university facilities
Student groups’ objections
The groups demanded that university platforms and premises not be provided to organisations with political-religious agendas.
University response
The university’s stated response addressed the current event but did not specify a separate future policy.
Use of the university’s name and logo
Student groups’ objections
The committee sought a police complaint for fraud and unauthorised use if WAHA had used YCMOU’s name or logo without official permission.
University response
The articles report no confirmed university finding or police action on the alleged unauthorised use.
- University
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
- Location
- Nashik
- Event
- International seminar scheduled for September 6
- Organisation involved
- World Association of Hindu Academicians (WAHA)
- Memorandum date
- August 31
- Vice-chancellor
- Dr Sanjeev Sonawane
- Proposed escalation
- Statewide agitation if the event was not cancelled or similar incidents recurred