Outgoing TISS director, S Parsuraman hints at uncertainty in future; students worried political inclinations could decide next appointment
S Parsuraman has written a 3-page letter to internal departments
Even as other hallowed institutes are going through tumultuous times over divided politics, it is now the turn of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to be plunged into uncertainty. With director S Parsuraman bidding adieu to the institute, students as well as faculty members are worried about the change of guard. In the backdrop of recent upheavals due to political interference in institutes such as the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the outgoing TISS director has also hinted at uncertainty on campus and the need to strengthen relations with the government by taking up their projects.
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He addressed his issues in his farewell letter sent across to different departments in the institute a couple of days ago, a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession.
Serious concerns
The concerns arise, said a research student, “as recently, there have been incidents where certain faculty members’ contracts were allegedly not renewed due to their political inclinations.” Additionally, curiosity has been given wind by the secrecy over the selection committee and its work.
In his three-page letter, Parsuraman, who headed the institute for 12 years, has said, “Student election in TISS is contested on the basis of ideas and not along political party lines. As in earlier years, this year too, students have elected a body consistent with the spirit of Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. The focus must be on education and addressing politics of development. In the times ahead, we must work together to maintain the non-partisan nature of student elections at TISS. On a related note, the increasing complexity of student affairs is evident at the institute. Perhaps a range of social, economic and political factors affect students’ lives more strongly today as compared to the past.”
A TISS professor said, “Though indirectly, the director has said many things in the letter, pointing at the politicking on campus. In his interactions with different departments, the director has reiterated on how more and more government projects need to be taken up because it is important that TISS and the government work hand-in-hand. TISS has been a centre for government to address many social issues. Bringing emphasis on these projects now does indicate need for strengthening relations with the current government.”
Influence groups
The director has also noted, “There is concern on the growing influence of elite groups among students on some aspects of campus life. This is indeed a worrying trend.” Urging students and others associated with the institute to maintain diversity by not being motivated by a single ideology, he added, “Our campus has always been an open, plural, humane and compassionate campus. I urge you to safeguard these qualities.”
The director has revealed that the new head should be finalised by the end of this calendar year. Another student, requesting anonymity, said, “Right now there isn’t anything that can be done other than hoping that the committee will be non-biased. Meanwhile, there are also talks on how a few others from the institute are to follow the outgoing Director, but there isn’t any official resignation yet.”
Despite mid-day’s repeated attempts to get in touch, Parsuraman remained available for comment.
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