Cuttack: At a time the threat of Omicron variant of Covid-19 is looming large in the country, a premier educational institution of Odisha thrown the Covid protocols and guidelines to the wind. Last evening, hundreds of students congregated on the premises of Ravenshaw University and danced on the concluding day of the annual athletic meet violating the Covid norms.

Despite the government’s strict guidelines banning congregation of large number of persons in view of Omicron threat and the pandemic, hundreds of students dancing together without social distance on premises of Ravenshaw University raised many questions. Moreover, the visual which is available shows no one was wearing masks.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and government functionaries have been repeatedly appealing the people to follow the Covid protocols laid down by the government to tackle the spread of the Covid pandemic. But the latest incident at Ravenshaw University has put the spotlight on the authorities of varsity and shows how ill-prepared they were.

In their reaction, the varsity authorities stated all the protocols were put in place initially, but the students failed to adhere to the guideline during subsequent hours.

When contacted, DCP, Cuttack, Prateek Singh said the police will take action and issue a show-cause notice to the varsity.

However, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) is yet to make any comment on the matter.
Social media especially Twitterati reacted sharply to the blatant violation of the Covid protocols on the premises of Ravenshaw University.

A social media user wrote, “I am also a student of #ravenshaw university.. And am not against u all... But dear friends try to understand the situation going on and how fast it is spreading globally... Do a favour to yourself... I want u all to be safe (sic).”


Another Twitterati wrote, “Welcome Mr. #OmicronVariant Ravenshaw College students on the occasion of inviting omicron variants .. Last night visual.”


The State government has announced a ban on zero night and New Year celebrations keeping in view the pandemic. In Odisha, a total four Omicorn infectees have been detected so far.