The National Institute of Technology - Calicut (NITC) which recently witnessed student protests following the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya has imposed a night curfew and ban on late-night canteen access.

In a note issued by Dr Rajanikant G K, Dean of Students' Welfare, the students of NITC are directed to return to their hostel rooms before midnight. The note issued Wednesday evening also states that the canteen will close by 11 pm effective immediately.

NITC has claimed that the changes have been introduced in the best interest of the health, safety, and academic success of students. Those who violate the restrictions have been warned of suspension from the hostels.

"One of the key challenges we have identified is the impact of late-night canteens on your eating habits. It has become apparent that late-night snacking has led to unhealthy food choices, contributing to poor dietary habits and adversely affecting your overall health. We have observed a concerning trend where mindful eating has been forgotten, and this is reflecting poorly on your physical well-being,” the Dean's note states.

It further notes that late-night outings have presented significant safety and security challenges for the students. “Engaging in activities during late hours exposes you to various risks, including substance abuse, alcohol consumption, and smoking,” the Dean said.

"In addition, the disturbance in your sleep patterns due to late-night activities is placing tremendous pressure on your mental well-being. Lack of adequate sleep affects your ability to concentrate on academics and other productive activities, ultimately impacting your overall performance and success.

“Sleep deprivation has profound negative consequences on your overall well-being. Not only does it impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making, but it also hampers academic performance. Additionally, sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making students more susceptible to illnesses. Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes among young adults," the Dean said.