Dear Friends,
Subject: Nalanda University: Dr. Amartya Sen Has Lot To Explain
You all would have by now learnt about the controversy around the Nobel Laureate Dr. Amartya Sen and the proposed “second” Nalanda University, for which he had been brought/hired by the former UPA government.
That there had been some “ghotala” about the entire event is now an open truth. By submitting his resignation, Dr Sen seems to be making an effort to run away from the problem. That there has been some financial and other irregularities in the entire Rs, 3000/ crore project has been coming in the public domain as also in the press for quite some time.
It so happened some friends, both seniors and colleagues, had been closely following the case for quite some. Before, however, we refer to them, we used to wonder why the Ministry of External Affairs was monitoring this case. It was, we were told, because this was going to be an “international affair”, a sufficiently spacious ground, according to our reckoning.
Be that as it may, let us now read what a seasoned and pretty senior friend says on the subject:
Quote (.)
The Nobel laureate who is also a skilled word smith has tried to put the Govt. of India on the back foot with his tear-jerker letter. I am sure his cronies in the Congress who include Man Mohan Singh will try their best to raise noise in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. I hope Govt. will be fully prepared with documented shenanigans in the Nalanda Project so far. Massive material is available inside and outside the Govt. on these.
1. No Project report was prepared by competent persons explaining what was proposed to be done, why and who are the best persons to have been entrusted with this major Project. ( Amartya Sen may be a Nobel Laureate but is not an institution builder).
2. All Govt. procedures including statutory requirements laid down in Govt. regulations for Projects of this kind were flouted with impunity.
3. The lady chosen personally by Sen to be Pro-Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor was not selected in line with extant Supreme Court Orders in similar appointments. She in turn recruited her cronies.They must GO without delay.
4. An external Audit is required on the expenditure so far incurred by Sen and co
5. A new Board of Governors must be appointed who have proven expertise in ancient history, institution building and ability to keep at bay Chinese efforts to use Nalanda as a Trojan Horse, with its financial clout.
6. The priority in the Project should be to bring forth the ancient achievements by and in Nalanda and to build on them. To try to teach and research in Business management, IT, and International Politics or Economics will be a mockery.
Unquote (.)
Friends, the points made above are so valid, we propose sending our mail to both the Ministers of HRD and External Affairs. We wish some of would also join in this and those of you can, may like to send a copy to the learned Nobel Laureate also. Well, Dr. Amartya Sen owes an answer to the nation.
Vandemataram,
Your sevak,
D.C. Nath
(Former Spl. Director, IB)
(President, Patriots’ Forum)
