'I had no right to teach students who I deserted'

'It's the least I could do,' says Professor Soumitra Basu, head of the Philosophy department at Jadavpur University, who resigned to protest against the police violence last week.

Professor Soumitra Basu, head of the Philosophy department at Jadavpur University, who resigned to protest against last week's police violence at the university, tells Indrani Roy/Rediff.com why he quit.

On the police action against the students

It was very unfortunate. The police should never have been called to resolve a campus issue. My heart goes out to all the students who face the police brutality and were injured in the lathi-charge. I wish them a speedy recovery.

For those who were arrested, I have a simple message: Don't lose heart, be strong and move on.

Why did you resign?

It is the least I could do. On Tuesday, I was stuck at the university with other colleagues till the wee hours. Around 1 am, a few police officials entered the premises and escorted us out of the campus. At that time, I did not have the faintest idea of what was in store.

On Wednesday morning, when I woke up and saw the television footage, I was shocked. I felt so ashamed of myself for leaving my students behind. My conscience cried. I felt I had no right to continue teaching those students who I had deserted in a crisis.

Resignation was my only option. What truly saddens me is the fact that the confidential news got leaked. How did the media come to know of my decision?

What is your opinion on the molestation probe?

I feel the authorities should have been more sensitive and prompt in dealing with the issue. We should have voted unanimously for an impartial probe in keeping with the Vishaka guidelines. The dignity of one of our daughters was in question.

On the vice-chancellor's role

I don't want to take any names. I feel we are like parents to our students and it is our duty to protect them and not set the police after them.

On what should have been done

The authorities should have been more patient, more restrained. We should have held extensive talks with the students. They are young and fresh, we are experienced. It is our responsibility to reach out to them, not theirs.

On the wave of protests

It is natural. Students are the backbone of any society and a brutal attack on them should always be condemned. As a teacher, I feel proud of all those vibrant souls who took to the streets seeking justice.

Shedding all political differences, thousands of young minds walked hand in hand for a just cause. The movement has reached as far as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.

As a teacher, what more can I ask for? I did not take part in the rally on Saturday, as I thought it would be unethical. The rally raised its voice against my university. How can I disrespect an institute that fed me and my family for so many years?

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