Ashoka University acknowledges lapses in institutional processes over resignations of Mehta, Subramanian


PTI, Mar 21, 2021, 10:50 AM IST

New Delhi: Ashoka University on Sunday acknowledged “lapses in institutional processes” and expressed “deep regret” at the recent events surrounding the resignations of political commentator Pratap Bhanu Mehta and noted economist Arvind Subramanian from its faculty.

Meanwhile, Mehta wrote a letter to students, urging them to not “press” for his return asserting that the circumstances that led to his resignation will not change in foreseeable future.

The university in Haryana’s Sonipat became the centre of a controversy earlier this week, when Mehta, who had resigned as its vice-chancellor two years back, chose to step down as professor, saying that the founders made it “abundantly clear” that his association with the institution was a “political liability”.

Subramanian, the former chief economic advisor to the government, had resigned from the university two days later in solidarity with Mehta.

“We acknowledge that there have been some lapses in institutional processes which we will work to rectify in consultation with all stakeholders. This will reaffirm our commitment to academic autonomy and freedom which have always been at the core of the Ashoka University ideals,” the institution said in a statement.

“Ashoka has been privileged to have been led, guided and counselled by Pratap first as Vice-Chancellor and then as senior faculty. Subramanian brought eminence, stature, fresh ideas and energy to the university and his exit leaves a void that will be hard to fill,” it added.

The statement has been jointly issued by the university chancellor, vice-chancellor and the chairman of Board of Trustees, along with Mehta and Subramanian.

“Pratap and Arvind would like to emphasize that Ashoka University is one of the most important projects in Indian higher education. They are sad to be leaving Ashoka, especially its outstanding students and faculty. They continue to believe strongly that Ashoka University should embody a liberal vision and commitment to academic freedom and autonomy.

“And they remain lifelong friends and well-wishers of the institution and are committed to its success wherever they are,” the statement said, adding that the two professors will remain “available for advice and consultation to the university in the future”.

The students have called for a two-day boycott of classes from Monday in protest over the developments. Mehta, however, said he wants to close this chapter.

“The underlying circumstances that led to the resignation will not change for the foreseeable future, in my case, at any rate. So I must close this chapter. I urge you not to press on this matter. I know you will be disappointed. But if I may exercise one last bit of professorial discretion: your mission is larger than the fate of two Professors,” Mehta said in his letter addressed to the students.

“The poise and articulacy with which your defended important values and demanded accountability should make anyone want to associate with this university. You are its beating heart and soul and nothing can damage that,” he said.

“Second, it is not for me to intercede in this matter. But I imagine your voice will, in the long run make Ashoka a better university and get it to recommit to its ideals and values. So your outpouring is already a victory of sorts. You have taught us by example, what we were badly trying to teach you by lectures,” he added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Bantwal: Theft at Shree Mahalingeshwar temple

States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC

Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG

Davangere: MLA Basavantappa returns Rs 1.2 lakh left behind at shop

Woman dies after being hit by luxury car driven by ‘drunk’ youth in Karnataka

MLA Bharat Shetty condemns attack on Edneer Math Swamiji’s vehicle in Kerala

‘Idiot’: Former Canadian Sikh minister slams Justin Trudeau over Khalistan issue

Related Articles More

Delhi riots case: HC dismisses plea by Khalid Saifi against attempt to murder charge

States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC

Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG

India, Australia strategic partnership growing steadily: EAM Jaishankar

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy booked for threatening police officer

Bantwal: Theft at Shree Mahalingeshwar temple

Delhi riots case: HC dismisses plea by Khalid Saifi against attempt to murder charge

States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC

Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.