 Patna,(BiharTimes): Former President A P J Abdul Kalam is no more associated with the Nalanda International University, the project considered to be his brainchild.
This information was given by none else but his Executive Secretary, H Sheridon, in a reply to the e-mail message sent to senior Patna-based journalist, K K Singh.
The message reads: “With reference to your mail, we would like to inform you that Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, is no more involved in Nalanda University.
Earlier, K K Singh wrote an Open Letter to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen and sent a copy to Dr Kalam.
Singh wrote the letter following publication of news in BiharTimes on the appointment of Ms Gopa Sabarwal, a Reader in Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, as the Vice Chancellor of the Nalanda International University.
The letter expressed anguish and shock over what is happening on this front. Singh also questioned the role being played by Mentor Group in the appointment of the VC, who lacks the required experience.
Kalam’s reply to Singh came as a surprise as it was he who, as the President of the country, initially conceived the idea of the Nalanda International University.
Even after relinquishing the post of President he continued to take interest. He was appointed as the Visitor of the University by the Bihar government. As the former President he in February 2008 accompanied Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to see the site where the land was acquired for NIU. Incidentally, local farmers threw mud and stones on the chief minister on that occasion. They alleged that they have not been paid proper compensation for the land acquired from them.
What transpired since then is not known. However, the very message of the Executive Secretary of the former President raises more questions than provides any answer.
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comments...
I am more shocked to learn the departure of Former President Kalam from NIU than the appointment of a Reader in Lady Shri Ram College as the Vice Chancellor of NIU. The former is a much bigger loss to NIU than the later. NIU is/was the brainchild of Dr. Kalam and his exit from it takes the shine and luster away from the institute. I will not be surprised at all if we hear from Amartya Sen tomorrow that he is also no longer associated with NIU. Sad to hear the early demise of NIU! NIU was supposed to be the prized mascot of a new Bihar, but it is not meant to be.
Pradeep
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