The third convocation of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication in Jaipur has already taken place. Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa was present but was only going to award degrees to 12 gold medalists. This upset the students because they felt disrespected by the state government in comparison to those medalists. They marched towards his car from outside and demanded that he return to distribute the degrees. A protest quickly went viral in one place, raising the topic of accountability and respect for journalism students.
The convocation took place at the Rajasthan International Centre with Governor Haribhau Bagde and Speaker Vasudev Devnani present. Other graduates were left out as the Deputy CM awarded only the gold medalists. The students saw this as merely a photo opportunity, not real appreciation for their abilities. As Bairwa tried to leave the stage, students blocked his vehicle, chanted anti-corruption slogans, and demanded degrees for all graduates. Under increased pressure, he returned to the stage and distributed degrees to all the graduates after he was no longer being ignored.
Students also felt ignored during the convocation. Many argued that journalism is a profession of questioning power and accountability, and for them, the movement was an expression of that. Their chants and slogans emphasized the importance of respect for all graduate students, not just a select few. "Thanks for giving respect after insulting us" captured some of the sentiment from the protest.
Videos of the confrontation spread rapidly on social media. Students surrounded the Deputy CM’s car and wouldn’t let him leave until he complied with their demands. A mixed picture emerged, with many highlighting the success of the students in standing up to authority compared to the protest and how it was directed at them. However, it did prompt people to think about the politics surrounding ceremonies and whether they are a sign of praise in a public place rather than being paid to win more than as a matter of right, as well as what political leaders perceive.
The Jaipur convocation protest is an example of journalism students doing what they’re supposed to do: holding leaders accountable. By demanding the Deputy CM return to distribute degrees properly, they made it a moral lesson to respect and treat others with dignity. The incident has attracted the attention of state parties and institutions on the notion that recognition must never have this double standard and that students must be honored for their academic accomplishments.
