India, Nov. 18 -- A year-long uncertainty over the Panjab University (PU) senate had already brought students to the edge when the Centre's October 28 reform notification abruptly shifted the protests into a wider political movement. Though the Centre was ultimately forced to withdraw the reforms, the initial notification had triggered sharp reactions from student groups, former senators, state parties and the larger Punjabi community. With the reforms now off the table, the focus has returned to the original demand - announcement of the senate election schedule. HT examines why the reform proposal ignited such a strong political and community response across Punjab.

Q. What is the senate and syndicate and why are they important to PU's ...