The latter is also the visionary of Nalanda University project and the current Visitor of the University. He is a popular public persona in the country.

But callous Nalanda University has mixed up the two ‘Kalam’s, misnaming its own Visitor in the process on its official website. On the webpage titled Dr. APJ Kalam’s speech the photograph of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has wrongly been captioned as Dr. APJ Kalam Azad. How the word ‘Azad’ surfaced is difficult to understand. It might have something to do with sociologist Dr. Gopa Sabharwal’s overarching interest in the history of modern India. Dr. Sabharwal, the Vice Chancellor Designate appointed her friend Dr. Anjana Sabharwal as the OSD, Nalanda University as the two are collaborating on two books commissioned by Penguin India. These books are titled “From Noakhali to New Delhi: Gandhi 1947-48” and “India 1947: Lives Lived”. Maualna Abul Kalam Azad is understood to be a key persona in both these books. Confusion seems to have resulted from this. Dr. Sabharwal has also secured the membership of the society of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (under Ministry of Culture, Govt of India). Therein she is identified as Prof. Gopa Sabharwal, Vice Chancellor-Designate, Proposed University (ever heard of a University in India named Proposed University?). The University website goof up, however, punctures the claims of Nalanda University on ‘high quality education’ and ‘attracting best talents’ etc.

Coming to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s speech delivered in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on March 28, 2006 as appearing on the website, an extract reads- “a strong component of Buddhist studies will be introduced not merely as a separate department but also a part of the work for all faculties”. Under Prof. Amartya Sen, however, Buddhist studies even as a department has become doubtful in Nalanda University. Neither Prof. Sen himself, nor the VC-designate has any background or sympathy towards Buddhist studies.

Comment

comments...