Royal Global University in Guwahati held a powerful protest march and a heartfelt condolence meeting on April 23 to condemn the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident, which took the lives of 26 civilians—most of them tourists—has sparked national outrage and led to solidarity events across the country. Students, faculty, and administrative staff at the university came together to express their collective grief and demand justice for the victims.
The protest began in the early hours of the day as students assembled at the university’s main gate, carrying placards that read “We Stand with Pahalgam” and “Terror Has No Religion.” They marched in silence through the campus, eventually gathering at the university auditorium for a solemn condolence meeting. University authorities lit candles and observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims. Several speakers addressed the gathering, including student leaders and faculty members, all of whom expressed their horror at the tragedy and emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of terror.
Royal Global University’s Chancellor, in his speech, condemned the attack in the strongest terms and stated that such acts of violence serve no cause and only result in the loss of innocent lives. He urged the youth to rise above hatred and use education and dialogue to bring about change. The university also held an interfaith prayer session, where students from different religious backgrounds came forward to offer prayers in their own traditions for the peace of the departed souls.
The incident in Pahalgam has particularly shaken the academic community across Assam. Many students have been using social media to voice their support for the victims’ families and have urged the central government to take swift and decisive action. Royal Global University students launched a signature campaign during the protest, calling for a nationwide student movement to demand tougher anti-terror laws and better protection for civilians in vulnerable areas.
Student leaders also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of peace education and inter-community dialogue in classrooms. They called on educational institutions across the country to organize similar awareness campaigns that promote harmony and teach students about the long-term impact of violence on societies. The university’s student union pledged to organize monthly discussions and invite speakers from conflict-affected regions to educate the campus community about the real-life consequences of terrorism.
As part of their outreach efforts, students collected donations for the families affected by the Pahalgam tragedy. Volunteers went from classroom to classroom and set up online fundraising platforms to maximize support. The university’s administration has confirmed that it will coordinate with NGOs to ensure that the aid reaches the victims’ families directly.
Local residents also joined the protest march, showing that the community in Guwahati stands united in grief and anger over the terror attack. Parents of university students expressed pride in the way the youth came together to demand justice and denounce violence. Activists and civil society members in attendance stressed the need for long-term policy changes that address the root causes of extremism and protect all citizens regardless of where they live or travel.
This demonstration at Royal Global University marks one of the most significant student-led responses to the Pahalgam attack in Assam. It highlights the growing awareness among the youth about national issues and their determination to take a stand against injustice and terrorism. The university has promised to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, inclusion, and national solidarity.
As the nation mourns the 26 lives lost in Pahalgam, voices from campuses like Royal Global University are rising louder, reminding everyone that silence is not an option in the face of terror. The students have made it clear: they will not forget, and they will not stop demanding a safer, united India.
The protest and condolence meeting at Royal Global University also served as a platform to call for stronger counter-terrorism measures. Many of the speakers at the event stressed that while mourning the victims was important, it was equally vital to ensure that such incidents do not repeat. Faculty members pointed out the need for enhanced security in tourist-heavy regions like Pahalgam, where both locals and visitors are vulnerable to attacks. They urged the government to invest in better intelligence-gathering mechanisms and rapid response teams to protect the lives of civilians.
During the condolence meeting, there was a moment of reflection where several students shared their thoughts on the impact of such attacks on their own communities. One student recalled how the news of the terror strike had affected his family, especially his younger siblings who are growing up in an environment of increasing insecurity. He spoke about the fear and anxiety that terrorism instills in young minds and called for greater attention to mental health resources to help individuals cope with the trauma that comes with such tragedies.
Additionally, the protest included a creative segment where students showcased posters, poems, and artworks inspired by themes of peace, unity, and resilience. This allowed students to express their sorrow and anger through artistic means, adding a deeper emotional layer to the protest. Some artworks depicted the unity of the Indian nation in the face of terror, while others conveyed the helplessness of families affected by violence. These pieces of art were displayed around the campus, sparking discussions among students about how art can play a role in both healing and resistance.
In the wake of the attack, Royal Global University’s student body has also vowed to create an ongoing campaign called “Voices for Peace.” This initiative will aim to engage students in conversations about terrorism, its consequences, and how peaceful activism can be a powerful tool in fighting extremism. The campaign will include workshops, guest lectures, and collaboration with other universities across Assam to create a state-wide student movement that stands against violence and advocates for peaceful coexistence.
The university plans to establish a scholarship fund in memory of the victims, offering support to students pursuing careers in conflict resolution, peace studies, and international relations. This will be an enduring legacy of the tragedy, ensuring that the victims’ lives are honored through the education of future leaders dedicated to peacebuilding and the prevention of violence.
As the day ended, many students lingered on the campus, discussing how they could be more proactive in raising awareness about the effects of terrorism. The protest sparked a renewed sense of purpose among the youth, who expressed a commitment to spreading messages of peace and understanding, while continuing to demand justice for the victims of Pahalgam. The event at Royal Global University underscored the importance of unity, activism, and the role educational institutions play in shaping a more just and peaceful future.