‘Stand for intellectual independence’: Ashoka University founders never interfered with academics, says Chancellor

In a letter to faculty and students, Ashoka University Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee said the founders of the institution have never interfered with academic freedom.

In a strong counter to the narrative building around reasons for the exit of Professor Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Ashoka University Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee has said the institution remains committed to academic freedom and intellectual independence while its Board of Trustee Chairman Ashish Dhawan promised an open line of communication. Days after PB Mehta, who had resigned as Vice-Chancellor of the university two years back, chose to step down as a professor also, saying the founders made it "abundantly clear" that his association with the institution was a "political liability", Mukherjee wrote to faculty and students stating the institution's founders have never interfered with academic freedom. Dhawan in a separate letter said the Board of Trustee stands for free enquiry, academic freedom and intellectual independence and the university is committed to providing an environment of excellence. "I deeply regret any lapses that led to this situation - this was not something we had anticipated or planned."