Thread by @SandipGhose

.@nandu79 To me the appointment of @pbmehta as VC itself looks problematic in hindsight. Did he join #AshokaUniversity as a scholar or activist? Were the TOR clearly agreed with the trustees @PramathSinha? Can Mehta's articles be considered academic work or extra-curricular? 2/n

https://twitter.com/nandu79/status/1373101057115451393

2/n if the latter, a distinction needed to be made. If it was the latter and so important to him - it is only fair that he steps down and follows his calling either as an independent voice or from an appropriate forum, not as the VC of #AshokaUniversity. This is a fundamental 3/n

3/n priciple of "conflict of interest" to be followed not just in "corporate organisations" but any institution. For example, in media if someone is appointed as an Editor (not for her/his political views) but for her credentials of a professional editor #AshokaUniversity 4/n

4/n but the person wishes to pursue an activist or influencer agenda - there would be a clear conflict of interest. In similar circumstances, the board of @TheStatesmanLtd (headed by Nani Palkhivala) had asked the editor Pran Chopra to step down the 60s #AshokaUniversity 5/n

5/n the same principle is applied in a Corporate org. If a CEO has strong political views it is only fair she/he pursues those interests separately rather than get the organisation be identified with her/him. It is standard professional practice anywhere #AshokaUniversity 6/n

6/n #pratapbhanumehta's predecessor #RugrangshuMukherjee has published several books during his tenure as VC of #AshokaUniversity (including - notably - "The Twitlight Falls on Liberalism"). But, those were academic works - as distinct from pamphleteering. So, no problem. 6/6

7/n Footnote: Husband of #MalabikaSarkar, current VC of #AshokaUniversity - an eminent Barrister has first hand knowledge of the episode involving Pran Chopra in The Staesman - involving luminaries as Nanin Palkhivala, Justice SR Das etc. This was in the 60s way before #Modi 8/n

8/n it may be instructive for #AshokaUniversity Trustees to acquaint themselves of the case. Equally, when VCs of state run Universities are replaced for their political views/affliation - is it considered attack on academic freedom? #pratapbhanumehta 8/8 (End of Thread)

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