Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s resignation from Ashoka University this week got here after a gathering with the founders through which, he stated, it was made abundantly clear that his affiliation with the establishment “may be considered a political liability”.
Mehta, in his resignation letter submitted to B-C Malabika Sarkar, additionally stated that his public writing is “perceived to carry risks for the university”.
On Tuesday, when The Indian Express had requested the college whether or not Mehta’s public stand had something to do with him leaving, Ashoka had sidestepped the query.
Instead, a spokesperson had confirmed the resignation and stated: “During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor and member of faculty, he has contributed immensely to the University. Ashoka University wishes him well for his future endeavours”.
Here’s the whole textual content of Mehta’s resignation letter:
Dear Prof Sarkar,
I write to tender my resignation from Ashoka University as University Professor. After a gathering with Founders it has develop into abundantly clear to me that my affiliation with the University could also be thought-about a political legal responsibility. My public writing in help of a politics that tries to honour constitutional values of freedom and equal respect for all residents, is perceived to hold dangers for the college. In the pursuits of the University I resign. I might request that the resignation take rapid impact. I’m instructing one class, and wouldn’t like to depart the scholars stranded. But I feel the college can discover a answer. I can informally end out the remainder of the lessons, if no different answer is discovered.
It has been a fantastic privilege to get to know the scholars and a number of other great colleagues at Ashoka. I hope that the establishment continues to thrive. I thanks and the Chancellor on your private kindness through the years of my affiliation with Ashoka.
It is evident it’s time for me to depart Ashoka. A liberal college will want a liberal political and social context to flourish. I hope the college will play a task in securing that surroundings. Nietzsche as soon as stated that “no living for truth is possible in a university.” I hope that prophecy doesn’t come true. But in mild of the prevailing ambiance, the Founders and the Administration would require renewed dedication to the values of Ashoka, and new braveness to safe Ashoka’s freedom.
My solely request is that the administration cooperate in making all of the transition formalities as painless as potential. If any preparations can take due consideration of my driver, Gajendra Sahu, I will likely be most grateful. He moved jobs with me and shouldn’t be penalised. If some interim assist will be granted to him, whereas I make different preparations to switch him to an acceptable payroll, I shall be obliged.
I’ll without end stay a supporter of the values Ashoka is supposed to embody. Please convey my deepest gratitude to all of Ashoka’s college, college students and workers. They have all been unfailingly skilled, supportive and beneficiant.
I’ll have a tough copy with my signature despatched to you as effectively. But this mail be handled as my resignation.
With warmest individual
