Following uproar, the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on 11 November junked a circular which stated that only vegetarian and teetotaller students will be considered for gold medals - given by a yoga trust at the university’s annual convocation.

"We have withdrawn the 10-year-old circular after objections were raised from various quarters. Now we shall write to the Shelar family (which had sponsored the two gold medals) to drop this particular stipulation," Registrar Arvind Shaligram told IANS.

He added that in case the family doesn't agree to the request, then the university would be compelled to initiate the process to cancel the two gold medals instituted out of the Shelar Family's endowment.