Ashoka University is one of 10 educational institutions in the Rajiv Gandhi Education City in Haryanas Sonipat and is sprawled across 25 hectares. While its red stone walls give nothing away, save the low hum of generators heard from hostels near the road, there is a storm brewing inside.
It came out when the Indian Express reported that Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a contributing editor for the publication and a political scientist, had resigned as professor from Ashoka University on March 16.
The students were in class when the news broke, and when Mehta entered the room, they questioned him about it. He replied in a cryptic manner, People who know, will understand. If two of the most powerful institutions in the country, Bollywood and the Supreme Court can fall, then you just need to join the dots.
The letter
In his resignation letter to the university, accessed by the Indian Express, Mehta wrote that after a meeting with the founders of Ashoka university, it had become clear to him that he was considered a political liability.
My public writing in support of a politics that tries to honour constitutional values of freedom and equal respect for all citizens, is perceived to carry risks for the university, he wrote.
Ashoka University espouses itself to be liberal education institution, with a focus on making students think critically from multiple perspectives, communicate effectively, and become leaders with a commitment to public service.
Referring to this core identity, Mehta said, A liberal university will need a liberal political and social context to flourish. I hope the university will play a role in securing that environment.
In light of the prevailing atmosphere, the founders and the administration will require renewed commitment to the values of Ashoka, and new courage to secure Ashokas freedom, he added.
Newslaundry spoke to third year Political Science students from the university who voiced apprehension about Mehta leaving on campus.
Preferring to remain anonymous, they referred to the atmosphere on campus as emotionally charged, and said that efforts were underway to make sure that the resistance was taken forward in a strategic manner, via strikes and boycotts of classes. They were disappointed with the vice chancellor Malabika Sarkars response during the town hall meeting that was called and attended by over 1,500 students. She denied knowing anything about the political nature of Mehtas resignation.
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Why Pratap Bhanu Mehtas resignation has upset staff and students of Ashoka University - Newslaundry
