It could undermine the institute’s secular fabric and “incite communal sentiments”, says students’ union

The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Meghalaya, on Monday removed an idol of Lord Ganesha from the campus following protests from a local organisation in the Christian-majority State.

The idol was installed ceremoniously in the premises in Shillong on September 23. Three days later, the Jaintia Students’ Union objected and said the idol could undermine the institute’s secular fabric and “incite communal sentiments” among the students and staff belonging to other faiths.

The union suggested that the idol be replaced by the bust of a renowned personality from the field of science, humanities or literature.

NIT Meghalaya’s Director B.B. Biswal declined to comment but a faculty member confirmed the removal to “respect local sentiments”.

Mr. Biswal had earlier justified the installation of the idol at a common passage of the renovated office rooms of the institute. The spot, he said, had been cleaned and some staff members suggested an idol of a deity would prevent people from making the place dirty again.