Professor’s Collar Grab During Nirma University’s Technofora 2026 Sparks Student-Union Protest Threat

Technofora 2026 is the annual three-day technical festival of Nirma University’s Institute of Technology in Ahmedabad. University records list the 2026 edition as running from September 18 to September 20, drawing more than 800 participants and featuring technical competitions, workshops and a cultural programme that included a stand-up comedy set by Rajat Sood.

Hindustan Times

The clip captures only the moment of the confrontation; it does not include the preceding exchange.

ThePrint

• Professor Patel told ThePrint that he was “upset” by the meme, called the student forward, and later received an apology. He said the matter is “sorted” and that the student “touched my feet” before both parties apologized.

ThePrint

• Director General R N Patel, when contacted, said he was not aware of the incident and would look into it.

Professor summoned student, grabbed him by the collar. Here's what went down

• Nirma University has not issued a public comment beyond acknowledging receipt of media inquiries.

Professor summoned student, grabbed him by the collar. Here's what went down

• Vedant Tomar, Gujarat vice-president of the National Students’ Union of India (NATIONAL Students Union of India (NSUI)), said the student body demanded a public apology from Professor Patel and an impartial inquiry by the university.

Professor summoned student, grabbed him by the collar. Here's what went down

• Bhavik Solanki, national coordinator of NSUI, called the professor’s behaviour “inappropriate” and warned that the organization would stage a peaceful protest if the demands were not met.

ThePrint

• Several social-media users labeled the professor’s actions as harassment and urged police intervention, while others argued the student’s remark crossed a line.

Professor holds student by the collar at event, NSUI threatens protest

• The Times of India and other outlets note that the precise wording of the student’s interjection and the full sequence of events remain unverified independently.

Professor holds student by the collar at event, NSUI threatens protest

• No official university statement has clarified whether disciplinary action will be taken, leaving the outcome of the NSUI’s protest threat uncertain.

Professor holds student by the collar at event, NSUI threatens protest

• “The matter is sorted. The students have touched my feet and I have also apologised for my behaviour. There is nothing more to say on this matter,” — Professor Patel, line while professor

ThePrint

• “The student body has demanded that the professor H K Patel apologise to the student and that Nirma University conduct an impartial inquiry.” — Vedant Tomar, state vice president, NSUI

Professor holds student by the collar at event, NSUI threatens protest