BOMBAY University and College Teachers’ Union (BUCTU) completed fifty years. A golden jubilee programme was held on June 17 at the University of Mumbai’s Kalina Campus in the newly constructed Green Technology Building Auditorium. To celebrate the golden jubilee, a seminar was organised on the topic “Towards Formulation of an Alternative Democratic Education Policy”.

It was a full day programme. The auditorium was full, with over 500 delegates consisting of national executive committee member of AIFUCTO and delegates from Maharashtra Federation and Retired Teachers’ Association. Apart from that, a large number of delegates from different colleges affiliated to Mumbai University were present. A small contingent of student delegates was also present in the function. There were two main sessions – inaugural and post lunch session.

Dr Rohini Sivabalan, president of BUCTU welcomed the delegates, guests and dignitaries. Dr Madhu Paranjape, general secretary, BUCTU invited the guests on the dais and compered the programme.

Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, vice chancellor of Mumbai University and the chief patron of the programme delivered the welcome address. Dr Tapati Mukhopadhyay, president, MFUCTO, introduced the theme of the seminar. Mukhopadhyay in her speech, highlighted the present crisis of higher education with special reference to the problem of economically backward class and women. She emphasised the need for micro-level data-based policy making with focus on marginalised communities for building an alternative model.

Hussian Dalwai, MP Rajya Sabha presided over the function. He endorsed the concept presented before the large gathering and suggested for a common action programme. Many eminent guests were present on the dais. Each one of them has expressed their view. Prof Arun Kumar, general secretary AIFUCTO, expressed his views. Prof BT Deshmukh, eX-MLA, explained the militant role played by BUCTU and its leadership in the field of education in Maharashtra.

Kapil Patil, MLC also presented a pen picture about the various actions conducted by BUCTU in the recent past with Shikshan Bharati, a school teachers’ organisation. Finally, Prof BL Mungekar, ex-VC of Mumbai University and former member of Planning Commission and ex-MP Rajya Sabha delivered his inaugural address. He brought into the focus the present crisis and emerging challenges of higher education, which need to be addressed before the formulation of the new education policy. The inaugural session ended with vote of thanks by Prof Tahir Mohammad, BUCTU treasurer.

This was followed by a special lecture, delivered by Prof Anil Sadgopal from the All India Forum for Right to Education. Prof CR Sadasivan, ex-president, BUCTU, was in the chair.

The post lunch session was chaired by Dr SP Lawande, general secretary of MFUCTO. The first half was an interactive session with participation by activists from backward classes, minorities and RTE. Finally, in the last session, delegates from different parts of the country and Mumbai city presented their papers. Dr Sitalaprasad Dubye conducted the seminar session. This session ended with vote of thanks by Dr Aarti Prasad.