Full Breakdown
IIM Jammu Fines Students Over Missed PM Modi Birthday Ceremony
By Drooid · · How we work
Event Overview
On September 17, 2026, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu held a “Deepak Lighting Ceremony” to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday. The institute issued a notice to students who did not attend, labeling the event “mandatory.” The notice required a written explanation of the absence and warned that students who failed to reply by September 19, 2026 would be fined INR500. Exemptions were to be granted only on medical grounds, supported by an official note from the government-run telemedicine service Sanjeevni. IIM Jammu did not immediately respond to media inquiries about the notice.
Background & Context
Prime Minister Modi’s birthday is often commemorated with public events across India. IIM Jammu, one of the country’s premier management schools, organized the ceremony on its campus, linking the academic setting with a political celebration. Critics argue that such linkage blurs the line between educational activities and partisan publicity.
Official Statements & Responses
Congress National General Secretary and J&K in-charge Syed Naseer Hussain condemned the notice on the social-media platform X, questioning why attendance at a political leader’s birthday should be compulsory for students. The institute’s notice, as reproduced by the Congress leader, described the event as mandatory and outlined the fine and medical-exemption procedure. No comment was obtained from IIM Jammu officials.
Data & Statistics
Verbatim Quotes
- “Educational institutions should nurture independent minds, not compel students to attend political leaders‘ celebrations or threaten them with penalties. The BJP’s publicity stunts should be kept out of our premier educational institutions,” — Mr. Hussian