KOLKATA: A video from a students’ induction programme at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur has sparked a debate over campus decorum after a professor reportedly interrupted a student dance performance on various Bollywood songs.The incident took place on the second day of the students’ induction programme 2026, which was held on August 22, 2026. The programme featured student performances to several popular Bollywood songs, including Chikni Chameli, Baby Doll and Sheila Ki Jawani, along with memes and other entertainment segments.During the programme, a group of students was performing on stage as fellow students cheered when the professor intervened and questioned whether the performance had been approved by their faculty advisers.In the video, the professor can be heard repeatedly asking the students about the approval for their performance.“Where is the approval? Have you taken approval before showing such kind of dance here? Is it a joke? Is it an introduction? Is it a fest?” she asked.She then questioned the students about performing such dances in front of juniors.“In front of juniors, you are dancing on such songs. Where is your faculty advisor? Why are they not present? Have you shown dances to them? Was it approved?” the professor said.The intervention brought the performance to an abrupt halt, leaving the auditorium silent as some students attempted to respond.The incident has prompted mixed reactions. Some users backed the professor, arguing that an induction programme is an official institute event and that performances should comply with the guidelines set by organizers. They also questioned whether the students had obtained prior approval for the songs, choreography and other elements of the performance.Others felt the professor had overreacted and argued that students should have greater freedom to choose songs and perform at college events. Some also questioned whether publicly stopping the students was the appropriate way to address concerns over the performance.However, the viral clip does not establish whether the students had formally obtained approval for the performance or whether specific institute guidelines prohibited any of the songs, choreography or other acts featured during the programme.
