‘NAMO SEVA’ PLAY ROW ESCALATES AS SCOTTISH CHURCH COLLEGE STUDENTS ALLEGE THREATS

September 26, 2026

KOLKATA: Several students of Scottish Church College have alleged that they were threatened with consequences after refusing to participate in NaMo Seva Gatha, a play portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service. The students, many of them associated with the college drama club, reportedly objected to participating in the production.

According to allegations made by a student’s mother, students were told during an online meeting that their internal examination marks and project assessments could be affected if they refused to participate. The play, scheduled to be staged at the college auditorium on September 29, reportedly includes references to Modi’s tenure and calls for the audience to raise slogans including “Jai Shri Ram”.

The college principal, Madhumanjari Mandal, denied allegations of coercion and said students had been asked to participate but that their refusal had been accepted. She said participation in the play was voluntary and that the college would proceed with other participants.

The controversy comes amid government-directed programmes marking Modi’s birthday month. The play’s script has reportedly been circulated to schools and colleges, with institutions asked to send videos of their performances to the government. The allegations of pressure at Scottish Church College remain disputed by the authorities.