Only about a month ago, Kochi played host to a series of music events some of which were held on campuses in the city. For those who could not visit Goa to be part of the world famous Sunburn festival, three colleges here hosted sunburn festivals featuring renowned DJs and professional bands attracting thousands of students from across the state.
On Thursday, the authorities at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) sealed the fun after they released an order stating that professional shows and DJ parties are banned from arts festivals or otherwise on the campus. The order came following an inquiry report by a university committee.
Cusat, the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (Nuals) and Sacred Heart College had hosted the sunburn festivals on three different days last month. There were reports of clashes among students during the show. Some of the students who were present at the time reported that the bouncers present during the event also hit the students. Not willing to reveal names, they said although the organisers hosted it as a non-alcoholic and drug-free party, many students took it to be an exact replica of the sunburn festival in Goa.
The order dated February 26, issued to all HODs, directors, principals of Departments/schools/colleges, youth welfare director, hostel wardens on March 5, states: “Having considered an inquiry report on some issues that arose in the varsity, the Pro VC who holds the charge of the VC, has banned shows and DJ parties as part of arts festival or otherwise on the campus.”