Hold @pbmehta in high regard. Also @PramathSinha founder trustee and many others at @AshokaUniv. Don’t know the circumstances of his quitting. But conversely, as many are saying, cancel culture of “non left” voices at liberal institutions a reality globally 2/n #PratapBhanuMehta
2/n Even in India how many Right leaning voices will find even a lateral entry into into left dominated academia, think tanks, NGOs (local and global) and media?That’s why the angst against a handful of institutions(state and private) that provide platform to non-left voices 3/n
3/n Also in corporate India the discomfort with pro-government views is palpable and considered “career limiting”. Honchos who come out supporting #Modi are accused of doing so either because of an agenda or under pressure. Socially, they are mocked and made to feel defensive 4/n
5/n I have been advised many a times by well-wishers to hold back my views as it makes people wary of political leanings and that would affect my professional prospects. The default assumption is I must be benefiting from the government in some form. #PratapBhanuMehta 6/n
7/n Few Right leaning independent professionals, technocrats or academics who have found a place in Corporate Boards are seen as government nominees or stooges accommodated to curry favour with the government. Though appointing people with Lutyens’ or 10 JP connections 8/n
9/n was common place and still considered to be “good investment” as the “cabal” wields a lot of influence and the “old boys network” is active even now. Was aghast at the snide remarks at me in social media after @swapan55 got BJP nomination for #WestBengalElections 10/n
10/n The isolation in social circles is more tragic. The “new normal” in elite company is to diss #Modi-#Shah and run down the government. Anything to the contrary is anathema and politically incorrect. Many have written about personal relationships spoilt by political diff 11/n
11/n So, when people like #RamachandraGuha selectively take up cudgels for #pratapbhanumehta - one cannot but, like @DrSJaishankar did on #FreedomHouse report, call out the “hypocrisy” and start admiring the #Shoonyata or #Shunyata of our liberal brigade 11/11 #AshokaUniversity
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