Chitkara University criticized for Christmas event on Sikh martyrdom day
Chitkara University in Patiala is under fire for holding a Christmas-themed event on Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day, which is a public holiday in Punjab.
Sikh groups and political leaders say the timing was insensitive to Sikh sentiments, especially since activities reportedly took place in the Hospitality Department.
A member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's ad-hoc committee called out the university for not respecting an important religious day.
University responds and faces political heat
The university says it stayed open because of academic schedules and visiting faculty, even though it was a gazetted holiday.
Registrar Col. Rakesh Sharma claimed he didn't know about any Christmas event but promised to look into it, adding that students could still join martyrdom day programs if they wanted.
Meanwhile, some political leaders demanded accountability from the university leadership, saying such celebrations "hurt Sikh religious sentiments."