A new English teacher (Robin Williams), was appointed in an all-boys preparatory school known for its ancient traditions and high standards. The teacher uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students and inspires them through his teaching of poetry, which eventually invite severe criticism from parents and the school authorities- the story of 1989 American drama film Dead Poets Society could now be brought into the background of Kolkata’s prestigious Presidency University. If it was an English teacher in the movie, here are two Hindi teachers, who applied new methods to teach, have been discriminated and finally dismissed by the university authority citing ‘unsatisfactory performance’.

It has been 20 days since two professors of Presidency University, Satyadeo Prasad and Anil Pushker, have been terminated from their job. On April 21, just one week before their probation period was to end, they received a termination letter.

Teaching method questioned

The two joined Presidency University together on May 23, 2016. “When I joined here, I found the syllabus outdated. Since changing the syllabus was out of my jurisdiction, I began to implement more efficient methods of teaching in classrooms,” said Pushkar.

The comments of students stand as testimony to his claim that those methods were helpful for them. “His method of teaching, indeed, was new to us. Instead of having mere lectures in class, Pushkar made us write more. And you hardly find a professor who gives notes for a poem by referring nine to ten books,” said a student requesting anonymity.

But, hints started coming out showing that the colleagues and authorities were not happy about his methods. “In the last year November, I was called by the Head Of Department of Hindi (HOD), Tanuja Majumdar, and told that some of my students have complained as they are not able to follow my lectures. Then I requested HOD to ask the students to come to me and reveal their problems. I will address their issues for sure,” said Pushkar. But none came and nothing followed on this matter.

“In weekly seminars that we conduct in department, I used to be vocal with my opinions and actively involve in discussions. But, I remember lots of occasion when I was mocked at by my colleagues,” alleged Pushkar.

“The real reason why we have been treated very badly is because of our caste,” said Prasad.

Though Prasad had not the constant series of treatment as Pushkar, it was nevertheless far from pleasant, “it was very obvious that other professors in the department always kept a distance from us. I was topper in Delhi University and taught there for six years. I never thought I will be discriminated in this manner,” added Prasad.

Pushkar had pursued his PhD from JNU and previously worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Allahabad University. “Certain people have certain agendas and they think that I don’t belong here because I came here through reservation,” added Pushkar who belongs to Dalit community. “It is nothing but professional jealousy,” added Pushkar.

Things took a turn when the third-semester examination began on November 19, 2016. Just after the examination, on November 25, Pushkar received a show cause notice for failing to finish the syllabus before the examination.

Pushkar denied this allegation and sent a reply in defence. 

Students of Presidency University find this decision unfair and arbitrary. “We are 29 students in class. Almost all of us, except a few ‘chamchas of HOD’, are with the professors. How can you not take students’ opinion into consideration and dismiss professors citing reasons like ‘unsatisfactory performance,” ask another student on condition of anonymity.

On April 24, students held a protest march against this unfair and arbitrary decision. They submitted letters to HOD and Dean of Students Welfare (DSW) expressing their dissatisfaction over such an arbitrary action.

“When we met the HOD during protest, she behaved so rude and said,’ok, the letter has been taken into record. Now you can leave.’ Clearly, the letter must be placed in waste bin,” said a student.

“How can they expel a professor so easily who has published 17 articles. Also, students have the recordings of his lectures. If anybody wants to examine, they can do it,” said Presidency University Students Union President Srimati Ghosal. The students also point out that the dismissal is completely illegal. “UGC regulation clearly states that the professor has to be given a notice three weeks before the actual date of dismissal, which has not been followed,” said Ghosal.

Students allege that the HOD threatened them for protesting against the dismissal of professors. “At the time of protest, we were waiting for our third-semester examination results. The HOD used his chamchas in class and spread a rumour that the students who protest will be given less marks. Clearly, we will be victimised as marks matters in academics,” said another student.

The university has closed for study leave now. “Our end semester exam starts on May 15 and we are preparing well. Because we all want to score high marks in Hindi and show them what these professors taught us,” a determined voice from another student stated.

When contacted, Majumdar declined to comment on the allegations from students and professors regarding the supposed unfair behaviour

“We tried to meet the Vice Chancellor, Anuradha Lohia, four times. But, we were denied permission,” said Prasad. “We haven’t got any response for our letters as well,” added Prasad.

Newslaundry contacted the Lohia and she responded saying; “Yes, I have received letter from faculties. But, since I am on leave and out of station, I can’t respond anything on this issue”.

Until then, the situation for the two men remains grim as far as career prospects go.

The author can be contacted on Twitter @sahlanechiyil .