New Delhi: Ashoka University has acknowledged the “lapses in institutional processes” and expressed “deep regret” over the resignations of political commentator Pratap Bhanu Mehta and famous economist Arvind Subramanian from its college.
The college was embroiled in controversy when PB Mehta, who had resigned as its vice-chancellor two years again, selected to step down as professor earlier this week.
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Subramanian, the previous chief financial advisor to the federal government, had additionally resigned from the college 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 establishment wrote in a press release.
“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 assertion has been collectively issued by the college chancellor, vice-chancellor and the chairman of Board of Trustees, together 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 continue to be lifelong buddies and well-wishers of the establishment and are dedicated to its success wherever they’re,” the statement said, adding that the two professors will remain “obtainable for recommendation and session to the college sooner or later”.
The students had called for a two-day boycott of classes from Monday in protest over the resignation. “We strongly condemn these resignations and the dearth of transparency from the college about the identical. It is unacceptable that we’re studying concerning the exits from information reviews and never the college itself,” the students had said.
Meanwhile, Mehta urged them not to go on with it. “The poise and articulacy with which your defended vital values and demanded accountability ought to make anybody wish to affiliate with this college. You are its beating coronary heart and soul and nothing can injury that,” Mehta mentioned in his letter addressed to the scholars.
(With Agency Inputs)
