The Osmania University (OU) on Wednesday asked students and faculty members, who were miffed with the shifting of the Indian Science Congress' venue, to remain focused on academics.
In a press release, OU Vice Chancellor S Ramachandram said that they were almost ready to conduct the event without trouble, and preparations were in the 'advanced stage', when the venue was changed.
The Indian Science Congress' 105th Annual Session, was scheduled to be held during January 3-7, 2018, and was earlier postponed at OU's request.
"Prof. S Ramachandram, Vice Chancellor, Osmania University, has appealed to the students, faculty and staff to remain focused on academics and put behind the postponement of the 105th Indian Science Congress," the press release stated.
"Preparations were in an advanced stage and we could have conducted the event without any glitches. The Vice Chancellor said the postponement has undoubtedly came as a setback and a disappointment. The varsity traversed a long way and has been ranked on the top both nationally and internationally and has weathered such setbacks," the press release added.
Protests erupted in Osmania University on Wednesday following the shift in the venue of 105th Indian Science Congress, originally proposed to be held there, to Manipur University in Imphal.
Students from the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s chamber and raised slogans, asking him to step down.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to inaugurate the Conference on January 3 at the Osmania University in Hyderabad.
Over 2,000 scientists including 15 Noble laureates from different countries were expected to participate in the ISC.
The university officials did not specify the reason for the earlier postponement but the prevailing security situation due to recent protests apparently forced the authorities to postpone the prestigious event.
The campus witnessed violent protests by student groups over the suicide of a student earlier in December.
The Executive Committee of ISCA met on December 27 and decided the future course of action.