The much-publicized Range Chinar 2.0 festival at NIIT Srinagar, projected as an educational and cultural exhibition celebrating innovation and learning, stirred controversy on Saturday after several students from across Kashmir alleged that they were denied entry despite receiving prior information about the event.

The exhibition, hosted at NIIT Srinagar’s campus, featured multiple stalls showcasing educational material, technology projects, career guidance setups, and interactive sessions. It was promoted as an open event aimed at inspiring young learners. However, several visiting students claimed they were stopped at the main gate and prevented from entering, leading to widespread disappointment and resentment.
“We travelled all the way from Baramulla after hearing that Range Chinar 2.0 was meant for students. But at the gate, security personnel told us we were not allowed inside. It was humiliating. If it wasn’t open to all, they shouldn’t have called it an educational festival,” said a visibly upset student, speaking to KNT outside the campus.
Another student from south Kashmir said she and her classmates were confused and embarrassed. “The organizers should clarify who this exhibition was really for. We were made to wait for hours only to be told we couldn’t go in,” she said.
Sources at NIIT said the event was organized in collaboration with certain departments and was primarily intended for invited institutions and registered participants. “There might have been a communication gap. Entry was limited due to space and security considerations,” one staff member explained.
Despite that, many students questioned the transparency and inclusivity of the event. “If only a handful of selected groups could attend, then calling it an open educational exhibition is misleading,” one student remarked. When contacted, the official declined to comment on the issue.