Don't protest without reason, Gopal Gandhi advises students

With West Bengal witnessing frequent student unrest, former state governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi Sunday advised teachers and pupils not to get involved in protests "just for the sake of it".

Addressing the second annual convocation of Presidency University here, Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, also warned students against seeking guidance from political, religious or corporate leaders.

"Do not to get involved in protests just for the sake of it. Protests should bear the stamp of credibility. The stamp of credibility comes when the intention is not to protest but protection of what needs to be protected and preserved," he said.

Gandhi, however, asserted that students should not hesitate in raising their voices against the "inappropriate".

"We have to see that students do not hesitate to call to order anything that they see as inappropriate. But you must yourself ensure that the way you do it is not inappropriate," he said.

Cautioning students against external interference in the working of the educational institutions, Gandhi said: "Do not look for political leaders for guidance. Do not look to corporate giants or religious leaders for guidance. Always follow your own clear conscience."