Sukanta happy to be in Presi mentor group

Updated on: Friday, July 01, 2011

All gossip will be put to rest now. After eminent professor of English literature, Sukanta Chaudhuri, resigned on Tuesday from his position as member of the committee entrusted with reviewing higher education in the state, debate about whether he was unhappy with the functioning of the committee was rife. On Wednesday, the dust seemed to settle a bit when the state government announced that Chaudhuri will be part of the eight-member mentor group for the fledgling Presidency University.

Speaking to TOI, he finally brought the gavel down on the matter saying he was happy to be part of the mentor group and looking forward to working with others. Reiterating his position about the other committee from which he resigned, Chaudhuri said, "The committee for higher education had a short three month deadline and, hence, I would not have been able to help much. I will be busy on academic assignments the entire July. However, the case of the Presidency mentor group is different." Chaudhuri is not only a Presidency alumnus but has also taught at the college till the early 90s. He moved to the Jadavpur University, reportedly because he was unhappy with the working atmosphere at his earlier institution. Chaudhuri is professor emeritus after retiring from Jadavpur University. "The Presidency mentor group has long-term objectives and hence the mandate is more relaxed here.

Moreover, unlike the higher education committee, the mentor group members are expected to think and recommend measures for quality improvement. We will not be required to take any action to ensure implementation of these recommendations," he explained. Chaudhuri was not willing to comment on the immediate needs of the university. "There might be some thoughts and ideas. But they are purely mine and I wouldn't like to share them at the moment. I will first wait for the group to meet and discuss the issues," he added.

Times of India

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