Vadodara: Rakshabandhan traditionally celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, but at two Gujarat universities, rakhis carried a broader message—one of equality, respect and togetherness beyond designations and backgrounds.At Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), women employees from the Class-IV staff of the faculty of commerce tied rakhis to senior university officials, professors and teachers, including vice-chancellor Bhalchandra Bhanage.The celebration brought together teachers, officers, administrative staff and Class-IV employees, turning the festival into a warm reminder that every individual contributes equally to the life and functioning of a university.Held around the themes ‘unity in diversity‘ and ‘one family – one team‘, the event highlighted the importance of mutual respect, teamwork and dignity of labour.Pragnesh Shah, dean at the faculty of commerce, said every individual’s contribution is valuable to an institution dedicated to knowledge and education. He stressed that working without discrimination based on position or responsibility could improve the efficiency of the university and contribute to its overall progress.Vice-chancellor Bhanage said every member of the university—from teachers and students to administrative officers and Class-IV employees — was an integral part of the university family. Respecting each other’s roles and working together as a team, he said, would help make the university stronger and more progressive.Meanwhile, Sardar Patel University (SPU) celebrated rakhi a day in advance on Thursday where international women students tied rakhis to vice-chancellor Niranjankumar Patel and registrar Bhailalbhai Patel.The auspicious occasion offered these students from abroad more than a festive experience. It gave them an opportunity to participate in an Indian cultural tradition while strengthening their sense of belonging and connection with the university community.Together, the celebrations at the two universities reflected the broader spirit of Rakshabandhan— building bonds of affection, respect and solidarity, while reminding campuses that unity thrives when every member is valued equally.
