Art dean stands up to moral police

FOR ART'S SAKE: Pannikkar hopes UGC will take a decision based on facts and truth.

    

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The issue of the attack on artistic freedom at Vadodara's MS University remains unresolved. The dean of the arts faculty of the university, Shivaji K Panikkar, who was suspended for lending support to the student who was arrested over an alleged obscene painting is now in the Capital to garner support.

He spoke to CNN-IBN's Smitha Nair in this exclusive chat on India 360.

Smitha Nair: What can possibly explain the fact that in a forward looking, liberal university like the MS University, you have had to face this?

Shivaji K Panikkar: Yes that is the situation and I am now in Delhi to address the UGC chairperson and also address the media, and people across various fields. I want to present our side of the case to them. I want them to know that the paintings are still under police lock and key, but this is not right because the police have not framed any charges against the students. I have been suspended and I am in charge of the examination and the evaluation process is not yet complete. The government has to understand that the lives and careers of many students are in jeopardy.

Smitha Nair: Have you been able to speak to any of your colleagues at MS University? The deans of other universities have now turned against you, virtually endorsing the stand of the moral police in Vadodara and the Vice Chancellor of the University. What is the reason behind this stand of theirs?

Shivaji K Panikkar: I really do not have any comment on that because I did not go seeking their support in the first place. I worked along with my colleagues in my faculty and I can say that 100 per cent support has come from all the staff members there and the students for this cause.

Smitha Nair: Support for you has also been coming from many of the residents of Vadodara. Now what are you expecting from the UGC?

Shivaji K Panikkar: I do not really know what kind of powers the UGC will have over a state university. Much of the funds come from UGC for state universities. It is up to the UGC really. They also have to follow management decisions and protocols before taking a decision. I feel they should take a decision on the basis of the facts and the truth and I hope that the decision will be proactive and not reactionary.

Smitha Nair: Noted artists and activists have been championing your cause and the cause of artistic freedom. However, there is a fear being expressed by a section of these artists and activists that if you are in fact reinstated and you go back to the university, you may still be continued to be harassed by the university authorities there.

Shivaji K Panikkar: That is possible but then we cannot escape from situations and one has to face them as they come. That's my way of approaching things. I am ready to confront the situation.

Smitha Nair: Does it appear that things are beyond redemption there and that the atmosphere has been extremely vitiated?

Shivaji K Panikkar: I am sure the university authorities can even now rectify their mistakes. They have to introspect. They are trying to ruin an institution, which me and my students would resist anytime.