A letter dated October 16 becomes the central reason of tussle. It was from University Grants Commission chairman Arun Nigavekar to vice-chancellors of three universities. The letter requests the university authorities to buy copies of a book on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as “reference material to students”. Nigavekar requested the varsity heads to preserve “a very interesting book on our Prime Minister” in their libraries. Cost of book is Rs 4,000.

The book was edited by Seshadri Chari, chief editor of Organiser, and A. Joshi, former BJP parliamentarian. The book was released by RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan at a function in Pune. Copies were also sent to vice-chancellors of other universities across the country.

Responses from various quarters:

“It is unbecoming of the UGC chief to request the university heads to buy a book on the Prime Minister’s life. What do students have to do with Vajpayee’s life? It is up to the varsity heads to decide whether such a book was worth buying or not. Such a request should not have come from the UGC chief.” -Jyoti Basu.

“I am surprised to receive Nigavekar’s letter. This is awful. A book on the life of the Prime Minister could not possibly be considered “good” reference material and that is why we have decided not to buy the book.” - Ashish Banerjee , Calcutta University vice-chancellor.

“The university “is not bound to comply with Nigavekar’s request. “-Bharati Mukherjee , Rabindra Bharati vice-chancellor.

“We are not going to buy the book.” - A.N. Basu, Jadavpur University vice-chancellor.

“The move was a BJP ploy to communalise the higher education system. We will launch a statewide protest if the UGC tries to impose its decision.” - Anil Bhattacharya, general secretary West Bengal College and University Teachers’ Association.

“The RSS is running nearly 250 schools in and outside Calcutta and it would ask the institutions to buy copies of the book. It is a must-read for schoolchildren across India.” - Kalipada Basu, RSS eastern chapter head.

 

 

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