At Divine Public School in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, a Class 2 student suddenly collapsed and died after reportedly experiencing severe distress as loud music from a passing Ganesh procession played outside the school. The incident was reported on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Just days later, on September 23, students of St Thomas College, Pala, Kerala, brought a large music system mounted on a truck to the college entrance, with disco lights blazing in the middle of the day. The students were associated with the Congress-affiliated student politics in the state.
The music was extremely loud, despite the college being situated in a neighbourhood where several residents are senior citizens. There are also several Brilliant Pala student hostels in the vicinity. The loud music, accompanied by what appeared to be sexually suggestive hip-swaying dancing, seemed intended, at least in part, to attract new members to the political organisation.
This reporter attempted to speak with the principal, Prof. Toji Thomas, who said that the matter was outside his purview because the students were outside the college premises, at the entrance, rather than inside the college.
Police personnel stood guard on the opposite side of the road. When this reporter asked them about the loud music, they said that the students had obtained prior permission from the local police station. Two women police personnel attempted to move this reporter away from the scene, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
The students themselves were adamant: “We are students. Let us have our fun.”
At the time of college admissions, there is usually a ceremony featuring traditional drums. That live music can be enjoyable and requires musicianship. In contrast, pre-recorded electronic music played at extremely high volume requires no such skill and, when excessively loud, can pose a serious risk to hearing and health.
While attempting to speak with the students, this reporter asked whether they had read about Mahatma Gandhi and the struggle for India's independence. One student responded: “We are new students, and we now have freedom.”
The incident raises questions about the quality of education, the aspirations and employment opportunities available to students who participate in such behaviour, and the impact of technology on young people whose values and identities are still developing.
It is also clear that the student union has access to considerable resources: hiring such a large sound system would presumably have involved significant expense. Money and power can be deeply corrupting, and this episode gives reason to consider whether those influences are at work here.
Meanwhile, a leaked draft code of conduct proposing a ban on student politics at Kerala University prompted a clarification from State Higher Education Minister R. Bindu that no such move was being considered.
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This reporter lives across the road from St Thomas College, Pala
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