CAA protest: Pondicherry University gold medallist rejects award

Rabeeha Abdurehim, a gold medallist in postgraduate in mass communication at Pondicherry University, on Monday (December 23) refused to receive her gold medal as a mark of protest and in solidarity with the students protesting across the country against the amended citizenship act (CAA).

Rabeeha was also denied entry into the convocation ceremony, which was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium, until President Ram Nath Kovind, chief guest for the day, left the University.

Denying the speculation that she was not allowed to attend the ceremony as she was wearing a hijab, Rabeeha said she was not given any reasons for being denied entry into the auditorium. After the president left, Rabeeha was allowed to attend the ceremony and was conferred the degree. During the felicitation, she received her degree but refused to get the gold medal.

Speaking to The Federal, the gold-medallist said she rejected the gold medal as a mark of protest against the amended Citizenship Act, National Register of Citizens and National Population Register.

“As soon as the president arrived, they (college authority) asked me to leave the auditorium. I knew it was because of my stand against the CAA. In solidarity with the students protesting across the nation, I have rejected the gold medal. This is an insult for me. I am an educated person and I do not want a gold medal to tell me what I should do,” she said.

In a Facebook post, Rabeeha later in the evening said she had never imagined that the day she was so eagerly waiting for would turn out like this.

At least 10 students boycotted the convocation ceremony after the Students Council of Pondicherry University appealed to the graduates not to attend the ceremony to express solidarity with students across the country facing state repression’ and their strong protest against the implementation of unconstitutional legislation.

According to university sources, as the management was apprehensive that students would reject getting medals from the president. Only 10 students received their degrees and gold medals, while the rest of them received it from university officials.

Also Read: Civil disobedience call at one lakh strong anti-CAA rally in Bengaluru

Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and vice-chancellor Gurmeet were also present during the convocation ceremony.