MAPUSA
The oldest school in Mapusa, Dnyanprasarak Vidyalaya, has been in the eye of a
storm after the school management allowed a mobile company to use its premises for its promotion.
The decision to allow the hallowed precincts of an institute for promotion has not gone down well with former students of the school and a section of the management.
Surprisingly, the school as a matter of a policy does not allow students to carry a mobile phone in school. So the decision of the management to allow a mobile company to use its premises for publicity appears to be a conflict of interest. “It is a school not a hotel. Looking at the huge advertising boards of the company on the roof of the school, it appears it’s the mobile company’s office and not a school,” said Amar Kavlekar, an ex-student of the school.
He and his two grown up children have completed schooling from the institute.
“On one side the school teachers warn students not to bring cell phones to school and the same school goes ahead and allows a mobile company to use its premises for publicity. Does this make sense?” Kavlekar questioned appearing annoyed at the decision of the management.
The over 100-years-old school, which is located in the heart of the city is owned by the Vaishya Mandal, a dominant business community in Mapusa.
“I personally feel it’s a wrong decision. But they may have done it because it will fetch them income which can be utilized for the school,” said Abhay Gaundalkar, President of Vaishya Mandal.
“We will discuss the issue with other committee members,” he added, apparently aware of the backlash. Remaining firm on his decision, the school chairman said he did not find anything offensive about the advertisement.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong to allow a mobile company to advertise. If we had allowed a liquour or cigarette company then it would be not acceptable,” said Srikrishna Pokle, chairman of Dnyanprasarak Vidyalaya.
He said the advertisement would earn them revenue which could be used to meet the expenses of the institute.
“Mobile is a good thing. Everybody should use a mobile but not during school hours,” Pokle maintained.
