After resignations of Arvind Subramanian, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Ashoka University faculty, students demand meeting with VC
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 18
Moments after former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian resigned as professor economics from Ashoka University citing lack of space for academic freedom, the faculty and students of the prestigious private institution on Thursday sought time to meet the Vice Chancellor to seek clarity on the developments.
A source familiar with the goings-on said the meeting had been scheduled and the faculty and students would “freely express their views at the town hall meeting that has been called later on Thursday”.
Subramanian resigned from the university saying the university, even with its private status and backing by private capital, could no longer provide a space for academic expression and freedom, in ominously disturbing signs.
In a letter to Vice Chancellor Malabika Sarkar, Subramanian said the circumstances involving the resignation of Prof Pratap Bhanu Mehta, who is a truly inspirational national figure, had devastated him personally.
“I am acutely aware of the broader context in which Ashoka and its trustees have to operate and have so far admired the university for navigating so well,” said Subramanian.
He noted that someone of such integrity and eminence as Mehta, who embodied the vision underlying Ashoka, felt compelled to leave is troubling.
“That the university’s commitment to fight for and sustain the Ashoka vision is now open to question makes it difficult for me to continue being part of Ashoka. So it is with a sense of deep regret and profound sadness that I am writing to submit my resignation from the university which will take effect from the end of this academic year.”
Subramanian had joined the university last year as professor in the department of economics with the aim of building a centre for economic policy to enhance national capacity for high-quality research, analysis and communication.
His resignation came two days after Mehta resigned. Mehta is known for his criticism of the incumbent BJP government.
