Sad Story of Bhagat Singh Chair in JNU, New Delhi-Who is Responsible?
Times of India on 23rd
March this year carried this story:
2. Background of Story
Since it is
newspaper story, which cannot go very far in giving details of it, neither it
has many sources available to it tell the real story of this first ever historic chair established in JNU
with my single handed campaign in year 2006-7 during Bhagat Singh birth
centenary. Though I did
not expect to succeed in my campaign and efforts, somehow the circumstances and
support from late Sh. Shashi Bhushan, a former Congress MP made possible its
creation in JNU at my insistence, though he was not too keen about getting it
in JNU, rather he wished it for Jamia Milia or a University in Punjab, since I
insisted that first ever chair on the name of Bhagat Singh should be created in
JNU only, where eminent historians like
Bipan Chandra, who got Bhagat Singh recognised as budding indigenous
Marxist thinker of India were still holding influence and under his guidance a
better studies on Bhagat Singh could begin in Academic world.
I had avoided making public all the
documents regarding this chair, but the above news and CHS of JNU, where Bhagat
Singh Chair is placed, announcing-the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Lecture- Javed Akhtar will
speak on revolutionary
ideas in Urdu poetry-made me so unhappy that I thought let the documents
regarding this chair be made public, so that Academia and other concerned
people should know that how even in such enlightened and progressive concerned
University deals with the personality and ideas of Bhagat Singh. We generally
blame rightist parties for distorting Bhagat Singh’s personality and ideas to
suit their political motives and to win over Indian people’s emotional bonding
with the supreme iconic hero of Indian freedom struggle, but what our own
progressive people, including the academia has done to suppress his historic
role and overplayed Gandhi-Nehru narrative, that also needs to be critically
examined!
3.
Why Javed Akhtar Lecture?
First Shaheed
Bhagat Singh memorial lecture was delivered by Prof. Bipan Chandra in JNU on 23rd
March 2010, that was an apt choice, but the second lecture after five years by
Javed Akhtar, with due respect to him, is an insult to Bhagat Singh and the
chair created in his name, as if Bhagat Singh Chair is meant for discussing
literary works only! JNU already has Faiz memorial annual lecture in Centre of
Indian Languages, a proper Centre for this kind of discussion, rather than
arranging this lecture from that Centre, Centre for Historical Studies under
pressure from AAP MP Dr. Dharamveer Gandhi’s letter to JNU officials for
keeping Chair non functional, they arranged this lecture as ‘filling in the
blanks’! Centre for Historical Studies of JNU has such luminaries like Prof.
Romila Thapar as its Professor Emeritus, it would have been most appropriate to
invite her for second lecture after Prof. Bipan Chandra’s first lecture. It was
Bhagat Singh memorial lecture, if it could be oraganised on Urdu poetry, it
could very well had been organised on the theme of-‘Atheism in Ancient India’!
Prof. Thapar is considered an international authority on Ancient India, and
this theme would have been most appropriate tribute to Bhagat Singh’s ideas
expressed in his seminal essay-‘Why I am an Atheist’ brought into Academia
domain by none else than Prof. Bipan Chandra with his lucid introduction.
Perhaps Prof. Romila Thapar would have been happy to deliver lecture on such or
related theme! If Prof. Thapar was not available, there was Prof. Sabyasachi Bhattacharya,
another eminent historian of modern period from CHS itself, who has delivered
inaugural lectures on Bhagat Singh in many other Universities. There was also
Prof. Harbans Mukhiya from same Centre, who had once reviewed Bhagat Singh’s
writings in ICHR Journal and was competent enough to deliver such lecture. If
CHS has really such love for Urdu language, there was Prof. Irfan Habib from
AMU, who has been reading about Bhagat Singh and to whom I had gifted copy of
Complete Documents of Bhagat Singh during Indian History Congress held at JNU
in December 2014, published by Govt. of India publication in December 2014
itself. Incidentally this Urdu publication is the most updated collection of
Bhagat Singh’s writings in any language in a book form, containing 110
documents, which are available so far. Prof. Habib could have spoken even on
Urdu writings of Bhagat Singh as many of his writings are in Urdu language.
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Near home, another historian on Bhagat Singh Prof. S Irfan Habib in NUEPA, Delhi, close to JNU, could have been invited. I am not professional historian, but I can still name few more historians like Prof. J S Grewal, who organised a seminar on Bhagat Singh and published the book, so had Prof. Indu Banga and few more. Political Scientists like Prof. Jose George of Mumbai University, Prof. Ashok Chousalkar of Kolhapur University who have books on Bhagat Singh. No but CHS high ups had no interest in focusing on Bhagat Singh, as any chair on Dr. Ambedkar would never think of anything else than Dr. Ambedkar thought for holding such lecture or seminar. As political parties reduce Bhagat Singh to a ‘yellow turbaned brave son of India’( a Fake image), so have JNU Centre for Historical Studies with such illustrious background of Prof. Romila Thapar, Prof. S Gopal, Prof Bipan Chandra, Prof. Sabyasachi Bhattacharya Prof. Harbans Mukhiya, have reduced Bhagat Singh lecture to be focused on Urdu poetry and not even Bhagat Singh image in Urdu poetry or even Bhagat Singh’s fondness for Urdu Poetry, there are twenties of Urdu couplets from Iqbal.Ghalib like poets noted down by Bhagat Singh in his own handwriting, even that was also not the theme of lecture. Since neither I got the invitation for lecture nor know what was delivered, I don;t know whether Javed Akhtar even referred to Bhagat Singh’s love or quotations from Urdu poetry!
4.Proposal on Bhagat Singh Chair in JNU initiated
Coming back to the story of getting Bhagat Singh chair created. When Bhagat Singh birth centenary functions began in September 2006, I thought of some suggestions to make Martyrs centenaries worthwhile even at Government level and I thought that during the centenary year Bhagat Sin gh Chair should be created by Govt. of India and that too in JNU, New Delhi, so I made a proposal in this regard and circulated to people and got support from almost all quarters in Academia and political formations. The proposal prepared on October 2006, which was published later by The Tribune in Chandigarh on 7th January 2007 in full reads as-
Proposal For creating Bhagat Singh Chair in J.N.U. to study ‘Anti- Colonial Anti-Feudal Revolutionary Movements in India during 1757-1947’.
On 28th September, 2006, the birth centenary of supreme martyr of the country-Bhagat Singh has begun. Government of India, in its Gazette notification, issued on 2nd May,2006, has included Bhagat Singh birth centenary in its programme of celebrating five national anniversaries of important events of our national history. As an editor of Bhagat Singh’s documents and also considering him to be a significant thinker of our society, who had close relations with Jawaharlal Nehru, on whose name, our University had been established, I propose that J.N.U. should plan to establish Bhagat Singh Chair for the study of-‘Anti-Colonial Anti-Feudal Revolutionary Movements in India during 1757-1947’.This would probably be the best tribute to the memory of our great martyr and the icon of our youth. Looking at the development of Bhagat Singh’s personality on the path of scientific temper, J.N.U. is perhaps the best place in the country to establish a Chair in his memory, who himself has proved to be an eminent thinker of country, apart from giving up his life at the young age of just 23 years and few months.
I understand that to fulfill such lofty ideals, fund crunch is major deterrent. I have a concrete proposal to generate funds for the establishment of this prestigious chair. To generate funds for establishment of Bhagat Singh Chair , JNU can attract funds from different sources, some of which could be as followed by:
(i) Govt. sources- the Central Govt. has formed a national committee for organizing different events for celebrating these nationally significant anniversaries, which means specific amount must have been sanctioned for expenditure . JNU can approach Central Govt. in this regard and can hope to get a substantial grant for this purpose through Ministry of Human Resources. Ministry of Youth& Culture can also be approached, with assured certain amount being sanctioned for this purpose.
(iii) U.G.C. would also be sympathetic to sanction grant for such lofty ideal
(iv) A minimum of five state Govts. can be expected to sanction funds for this purpose. These state govts. include Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala.
After getting necessary funds from Central Govt., Chair can be made functional in School of Social Sciences, with multi-disciplinary approach. It should have academic and administrative autonomy like PC Joshi archives, but this chair should concentrate on research and it should have more number of fellowships, as and when it generates more funds. For details, University can start with forming an expert committee , which can explore many more ideas, apart from those expressed in this proposal.
Once the Chair starts functioning, an endowment fund can also be planned to expand the infra-structure, like library, more number of fellowships for researchers etc. In this regard, following steps can be taken:
(v) An appeal can be issued to Indians , particularly Punjabis settled abroad, to contribute liberally in this endowment fund for expanding the scope of this Chair. This appeal could be put on websites world over and I am sure it would attract quite good response.
(vi) An appeal could also be issued to JNU faculty to offer the royalty of at least one of their major book for this cause. I am sure many of our own faculty members will respond positively to this suggestion. To begin with, I offer the royalty of my books on Bhagat Singh for this cause. At present I have two books on Bhagat Singh, one in joint editorship, another in my single editing. I offer the royalties of both and also, if there is any new publication in my name on Bhagat Singh- in Hindi, Punjabi or English.
I believe that my proposal would be considered quite seriously and all necessary steps required in this direction would be taken. On my part, I assure my fullest cooperation, if this venture is taken up by the University. I am sure it would receive support from all sections of the University-Faculty, Students and Staff.
22/10/06 Chaman Lal
Professor
Centre of Indian Languages
J.N.U., New Delhi-110067
Mob.-09868774820
This proposal has been strongly endorsed by Prof. Bipan Chandra,eminent historian and Chairman, National Book Trust of India, Prof. Prabhat Patnaik, eminent JNU Economist and Deputy Chairman Planning Board,Kerala, and Prof. G.S.Bhalla,eminent Economist and former member, Planning Commission of India.
This proposal is supported by following eminent personalities:
1.Prof. G.K. Chadha-former Vice-Chancellor, JNU, member Prime Minister economic advisory council.
2.P. Sainath—Eminent journalist and writer.
3.Prof. Mridula Mukhrejee—Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and eminent historian
4.Prof. Aditya Mukherjee, Prof.&Chairman,Centre for Historical Studies,JNU,New Delhi
5.Prof. Sumit Sarkar—Eminent Historian
6.Prof.Abhiji Sen—Eminent Economist,member-Planning Commission,Professor,JNU
7.Prof.Jayati Ghosh-Eminent Economist ,member Knowledge commission. Prof., JNU
8Prof.Avijit Pathak-Eminent sociologist,Chairman,Centre for Social systems,JNU
9.Prof.Surinder S. Jodhka,Eminent Sociologist,JNU
10Prof. Satya P. Gautam, Chairman Centre for Philosophy,JNU,New Delhi
11.Prof. Tulsi Ram—Eminent Dalit Thinker and Prof. JNU
12.Prof. CP Bhambri-Eminent Political Thinker,JNU
13.Prof. Kamal Mitra Chenoy-Eminent Social Activist,Prof.-JNU
14.Prof.Kedar Nath Singh-Eminent Hindi Poet and Professor Emirtus-JNU
15.Prof.Varyam Singh-Eminent writer and Dean-School of Languages-JNU
16.Prof.Bhagwan Josh-Eminent Historian,Prof.-JNU
17.Prof. Praveen Jha-Professor, Centre for Economic Study&Planning,JNU
18.Sh. Dhanjay Tripathi-President,JNU Students Union(JNUSU)
19 Prof. Mushirul Hasan-Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Milia Islamia, Eminent Historian
20.Sh Sumit Chakarvrati-Editor, ‘Mainstream’ and Eminent Journalist
21. Prof. Zoya Hasan- Member, Knowledge Commission,Eminent Political Thinker)
22.Prof. Gopal Guru-Eminent Dalit Thinker and Professor, JNU
The proposal is also being supported by Com. Prakash Karat(CPM), Com. A.B.Bardhan(CPI) Mohd. Salim, MP and Sh. Shashi Bhushan, former MP.
This proposal was submitted to Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on 22nd October 2006.
Vice-Chancellor
Jawaharlal
Nehru University
New Delhi
Subject: Proposal regarding establishing Bhagat Singh
Chair in J.N.U.
Sir,
Please find
enclosed a proposal on above mentioned subject, which is endorsed by some of
very senior faculty members and Professor Emeritus’s of the University.
I hope the
proposal would draw your urgent attention.
With regards
Chaman Lal
Vice Chancellor, JNU
5. JNUTA Support for Chair
In the meantime I had been elected JNU Teachers
Association(JNUTA) President and JNUTA also extended support to the proposal,
which was also conveyed to Vice Chancellor.
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Teachers Association(JNUTA)
President 
Secretary
Prof. Chaman Lal Dr. M.M Kunju
Vice- chancellor
JNU
Subject: Bhagat Singh Chair proposal
Dear Professor Bhattacharya,
Please
find enclosed a copy of Bhagat Singh Chair proposal, which has already been
submitted by Prof. Chaman Lal and endorsed by JNUTA Executive committee in its
meeting on 11/01/07.This proposal has got support from many eminent
personalities, as well as from JNUSU, as is apparent from the list given at the
end. We hope JNU administration will take necessary steps to establish this
chair in the birth centenary year of Bhagat Singh during 2007.
Regards
Chaman Lal
M.M Kunju
Media also highlighted this proposal in major English,
Hindi and Punjabi.two clippings of that time in The Hindu and Asian Age-
6. Proposal sent to
Govt. of India
Since the copy of
proposal was also sent to Prime Minister, MHRD minister and people like Sh.
Shashi Bhushan, it got attention of Programme Implementation Committee of Govt.
of India, which was created as subcommittee of five eminent anniversaries
larger committee formed under Prime Minister of India in 2007
7. Bhagat Singh
Chair granted to JNU by Govt. of India
Out of these five anniversaries, two related
to Bhagat Singh alone-75th Martyrdom anniversary-2006 and birth
centenary-2007. Shashi Bhushan was most effective member from Govt. side in
Programme implementation committee under the chair of Sh. Arjun Singh then MHRD
minister. It was in this committee this proposal was accepted on 6th
March 2007.
Govt. sent the letter in this regard to JNU
on 28th March 2007 asking for proposal to set up Bhagat Singh Chair.
8. JNU locates
Bhagat Singh chair at History centre
JNU administration circulated this letter to
all centres particularly in Humanities related Schools. No proposal was
submitted by any Centre or individual faculty member except me. Irony is that
Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) took up the chair when allotted to JNU by
Govt., but without showing any interest when proposals were invited!
JNU responded on 11th May 2007 to Govt. of
India accepting the offer and submitted my proposal for the chair-
In the meantime, JNU
called a meeting of three Deans of Schools of Social Sciences(SSS), International
Studies(SIS) and Languages(SLL&CS), under chairmanship of Rector, which
awarded the chair to School of Social Sciences to be placed in Centre for
Historical Studies(CHS).The committee put on record appreciation of my efforts
in this regard on 18th June 2007 and also resolved to involve me in
consultative capacity of the chair, which was never done as one would see
later!-
While
appreciating Govt. decision I wrote to Prime Minister on 31st August
2007-
. My letter to Prime
Minister in this regard is reproduced-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated:-31-8-07
Centre of Indian Languages
(SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi -110067 (INDIA)
Prime
Minister of India
Chairman,
National Committee on national Anniversaries
Government
of India
New Delhi
Subject: In regard to birth
centenary celebrations of Bhagat Singh
Dear Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh ji,
As the birth centenary of
the greatest martyr of the nation-Bhagat Singh, begins from 28th
September, the day he was born in Chak No. 105, village Banga in Jadanwala
tehsil of district Lyallpur( Now named Faislabad) in undivided India in
year1907, I wish to draw your attention towards certain significant matters,
which should be paid serious and urgent attention.
- We, in India, celebrate Bhagat Singh
birth day and martyrdom day in village Khatkar Kalan in district
Nawanshehar( now being named as (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar) and at
Hussainiwala near Ferozepur, where we have erected a memorial for them ,
taking these to be the place of his birth and cremation, respectively. The
fact of the matter is that both the places are artificially created.
Bhagat Singh was born in a house at the place, I mentioned above and I
have visited that house recently and brought some photographs too, which I
am attaching with this mail. Khatkar Kalan is just the ancestral village of Bhagat Singh, where he never lived.
Same way Bhagat Singh was executed in Lahore jail, the ‘Phansighat’ has
since been demolished and turned into ‘Shadman Chowk’,its photographs are
also attached with. Bhagat Singh had his early education in a village near
his house, about which CPI General Secretary Sh. A.B.Bardhan has drawn
your attention. Better part of Bhagat Singh’s life was spent in Lahore. His father,
a patriot in his own right and a Congress worker had a farmhouse near Lahore. Bhagat Singh
and his father had long association with Bradlaugh Hall, Lahore,
which was the centre of national movement and which located National College, set up by Lala Lajpat Rai,
where Bhagat Singh had his education. (Photographs attached) In fact,
after execution a horrifying cremation of bodies took place, badly cut
into pieces and burnt after pouring kerosene on these near Ganda Singhwala
village by British rule, which is now called Hussainiwala. The piece of
land, which was actually acquired by Govt. of India after many years of
partition. But the people searching for the bodies for whole night of 23rd
March 1931, had actually picked up the half burnt pieces and brought these
back to Lahore and cremated these properly with huge procession on Ravi
river bank, where earlier Lala Lajpat Rai was cremated in November 1928.
So the actual place for memorial of Bhagat Singh is Lahore,
either at the location of river Ravi or
at Shadman Chowk, where they were executed.
- On the occasion of Bhagat Singh
centenary, I think these are the places, where memorial functions must be
held, with the participation of Indian and Pakistani people and if
possible, with both the Governments should also plan joint functions.
Bhagat Singh is loved by Pakistani people as well and he is the one, who
is regarded as a common symbol of freedom struggle. Government of India must send a delegation to Lahore and Chak no.
105, his birth place, probably in the leadership of Sh. Shashi Bhushan,
former M.P. and member of programme implementation committee for Bhagat
Singh birth anniversary. Members of Parliament like Mohmad Salim(CPM),
Abani Roy(RSP), Debbrat Biswas(Forward Block),D Raja(CPI), historians like
Prof. Bipan Chandra, journalists like Kuldeep Nayar, Chief Editor-‘The
Tribune’ from Chandigarh, patriots like Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga, President
Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall Jalandhar, writers like C D Sidhu,( Author of
Punjabi play-Bhagat Singh Shaheed) film makers like Rajkumar Santoshi and
Ajay Devgun,(“The Legend of Bhagat Singh’ fame) members of Bhagat Singh
family—Kiranjit Singh(nephew -son of Kultar Singh), Jagmohan
Singh(nephew), Abhai Singh(nephew), Advocate and writer Malwinderjit Singh
Waraich,Researcher Dr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu etc. should form Indian
delegation. These names are such, who have contributed towards preserving
the legacy of Bhagat Singh.
- Government of India
should make efforts to get Bradlaugh Hall of Lahore declared as heritage
building from Government of Pakistan. At the moment the building is in bad
shape, but this must be preserved due to its historic importance in
freedom struggle. This should also serve as common symbol of the people of
both the countries. Same way the house, where Bhagat Singh was born should
also be turned into a memorial. Initially, a plaque must be put up there
and it should develop into a place, where Indian visitors could easily go
to pay their respects, as they go to Nankana Sahib. A plaque and statue of
Bhagat Singh needs to be put up near or inside Shadman Chowk square, Lahore. This demand
has been made many times by Pakistani intelligentsia itself and the
present Pakistani Govt. may not be averse to this idea. A plaque should be
put up in Mianwali jail in Pakistan,
where Bhagat Singh was kept for few months.
- A year long common
programmes like film shows, drama festivals, poets/writers meet, seminars
etc. should also be chalked out to commemorate Bhagat Singh, either at
various groups level or at Governmental level or at both the levels. In
this regard Bhagat Singh’s writings must be published in Urdu, Sindhi,
Pashto, Punjabi (Persian script) and Baluchi for Pakistani readers. At
least it should begin with Urdu and Punjabi in Persian script, which is in
use in Pakistan.
I wish and hope that
these suggestions may be kept in mind, while chalking out various programmes in
regard to Bhagat Singh centenary. If programme implementation committee can
discuss these suggestions that will even be better. The committee has already
taken a commendable decision to establish Bhagat Singh Chair in JNU and 1857
Chair in IGNOU.
With best regards
Chaman Lal
Editor—‘Bhagat Singh ke Sampuran
Dastavej’(Hindi)
-do- ‘Bhagat Singh ke Rajnitik Dastavej’
(Hindi-NBT-under print)
Co-editor ‘Bhagat Singh aur unke
sathiyon ke Dastavej’(Hindi)
Compilation and
Introduction—‘Jail Notebook and Other Writings’-Bhagat Singh (Leftword, Delhi)
Editor Bhagat Singh:Jivan aur Rachna’
(Hindi—being submitted)
Writer Ghadar Party Nayak:Kartar Singh
Sarabha(Hindi-NBT)
President- Jawaharlal Nehru
University Teachers Association (JNUTA)
Copy: Sh. Arjun Singh, Minister,MHRD, Chairman.
Programme Implementaion committee.
9. Proposal to hold
first Bhagat Singh Memorial Lecture in JNU Chair
Since
the Chair was given to JNU, I started making efforts to get it functionalised.
In February 2008, I mooted a proposal for holding first Bhagat Singh memorial
lecture from eminent Pakistani historian Prof. Mubark Ali and sent proposal to
Rector of JNU on 5th February 2008-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated:--5th
February,’08
Centre of Indian Languages
(SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi
-110067
Subject: Proposal for holding Bhagat Singh memorial
lecture.
Through:
Chairperson,C.I.L./Dean,SLL&CS
Dear Professor Rajender Prasad,
This is in context of discussion
we had the other day regarding Bhagat Singh Chair. By now, you might have gone
through the minutes of Programme implementation committee of Govt. of India on
national anniversaries, which has now sanctioned two crore rupees as corpus
fund for Bhagat Singh Chair. Govt. has also desired to make the Chair functional
as early as possible. In this regard, I have the following suggestions:
1) Bhagat Singh Chair should be
inaugurated in the month of March by holding first Bhagat Singh memorial
lecture by an internationally renowned historian Professor Mubark Ali from Pakistan. This
lecture could be held between 10th to 25th March, as the
martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh falls on 23rd March. It could be held
on an earlier date, as there is a rush of programmes around 23rd
March. Professor Bipan Chandra, who has done pioneering work on Bhagat Singh
could be invited to chair this memorial lecture.
2) A two or three day international
seminar on Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries role in Freedom Movement
could be held during the later part of year with good preparation. This could
be held in collaboration with Institute
of Socialist Education,
which is located in front of east gate of J.N.U. in ‘Secular House’.
3) An archives, as suggested by me in the
initial proposal for the Chair, to collect documents of revolutionary movements
in India from 1757 to 1947, could also be given a preliminary shape, by
allotting some space in the Central Library for this purpose.
One needs to give
time for all these activities. Given the chance, I am prepared to perform all
these duties. For this purpose, if I could be designated “Concurrent Professor
on Bhagat Singh Chair’, till the time the post is filled on regular basis; I am
willing to share the responsibility, along with performing my duties in Centre
of Indian Languages.
With best regards
(Chaman Lal)
I followed it up with another
letter on 20th February 2008, in the hope that Chair could start
functioning from 23rd March 2008, the martyrdom day of three freedom
fighters-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated:--20th
February,’08
Centre of Indian Languages
(SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi
-110067
Through Proper Channel
Subject: Proposal on Bhagat Singh
memorial lecture
Dear Professor Rajender Prasad,
This is in continuation of my
earlier communication, in which I had suggested Prof. Mubark Ali’s name for
delivering first Bhagat Singh memorial international lecture at JNU. In the
meantime I had received CV of Prof. Mubark Ali and his consent on email to
deliver the lecture. I am sending the tentative programme and approximate
expenses to organize this programme, mentioned below:
It would be a half day programme, which
would preferably to be held in SSS-I auditorium, subject to availability. The
theme of the lecture tentatively would be—‘The relevance of Bhagat Singh in
present day India and Pakistan’. The
lecture would be followed by discussion. Prof. Bipan Chandra would be invited
to preside over. Prof. Savyasachi Bhattacharya, Chairman ICHR would also be
approached to be associated with this programme. Hopefully the lecture would
invite audience from D.U., Jamia Milia, IGNOU, apart from JNU.
Return air ticket to Lahore from Delhi
cost about fifteen thousand rupees plus. Tea and other arrangements would also
need expenses. Fifty thousand rupees may be the upper limit for organizing the
whole programme, though efforts would be made make the minimal expenses.
I hope you would approve
the proposal formally, so that necessary arrangements could be initiated as the
schedule of time is rather tight.
With regards
Chaman Lal
10.
Proposal to hold lecture killed inappropriately
In the meantime Chairman of Centre
of Indian Languages, acted in most inappropriate and immoral manner to get the
proposal to hold Bhagat Singh memorial lecture killed by acting against CIL
faculty’s approval for this lecture earlier, about which I wrote to Rector-JNU
on 29th February 2008-
Professor
Chaman Lal
Dated:--29th February,’08
Centre
of Indian Languages (SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi -110067
Subject:
Regarding Killed Proposal for Bhagat Singh memorial lecture
Dear
Professor Rajender Prasad,
Please refer to my earlier
letters of 5th and 20th February in this regard. Although
the proposal was submitted after informal discussion with you and was duly read
and approved in 7th February,’08 faculty meeting of CIL, before
being forwarded to you by Chairman/CIL and Dean/SLL&CS. The continuation
letter of 20th February was subjected to wrong interpretation and
subsequent rejection of the proposal by Chairman CIL in a most unacademic
manner. The facts of the whole process are as followed by:
- I submitted a letter addressed to you
for being forwarded through proper channel on 5th February,’08
to CIL office. The Chairman read the letter in 7th February
Faculty meeting, which included proposal for holding Bhagat Singh memorial
lecture to be delivered by Prof. Mubark Ali, apart from few other
suggestions. Faculty approved the letter in Toto and asked to be forwarded
to you.(Annexure-I)However despite my request to put the decision in the
minutes of Faculty meeting, Chairman inexplicably refused to record it in
the minutes and forwarded it, which was further forwarded by Dean of the School
to your office.
- Since the time suggested for proposed
lecture, around first week of March, keeping in view your engagements from
10th to 25th March, was very short, I sought the
consent of proposed speaker Prof. Mubark Ali on mail and acquired even his
bio-data. In continuation of my 5th February letter, I wrote
another letter to you on 20th February to be sent through
proper channel. This letter gave further details of programme and
approximate expenses for the proposed programme. Since it was a letter in
continuation of earlier letter of 5th February, which was put
before faculty and approved on 7th February, the natural course
before Chairman was to forward it to you, without any delay. But Chairman,
first forwarded it on 21st February, which was probably
forwarded by Dean as well. Somehow on second thought, he withheld the
letter and put a note with different pen, afterwards Dean also put another
note, then it was forwarded to you only on 25th or 26th
February.(Annexure-II) The intention has been very clear to kill the
proposal. As I received the letter back from your office due to the
comments of Chairperson, as ‘being individual proposal of Prof. Chaman
Lal’ ‘not discussed in the centre’, I raised the issue in the Faculty
meeting on 28th February,’08. Though all the faculty members
accepted that the proposal was read and the name of Prof. Mubark Ali for
lecture was also part of that, Chairman irrelevantly made unsavory remarks
about the scholarly credentials of Prof. Mubark Ali and mentioned Prof. Randhir
Singh’s name as well. While accepting that Prof. Randhir Singh could also
be invited, I objected to his comments on Prof. Mubark Ali by saying that
one could have different opinion about the scholarship of people, but one
can denigrate people by unsavory remarks. Incidentally I had submitted the
CV of Prof. Mubark Ali, which has the reference of one of JNU’s renowned
Professor of History, Prof. Harbans Mukhia. Since many members of faculty
did not know about Prof. Mubark Ali’s works, they kept quite. In the
discussion that followed, Chairman Prof. Talwar was supported by only one
member of the faculty Dr. Gobind Prasad to reject the proposal out
rightly. Whereas at least three members of the faculty, namely Prof. K.
Nachimatu, Dr. Raman Sinha and Dr. Khwaja Ikram supported my proposal
explicitly and strongly. One member Dr. Ram Chandra did not oppose, but
suggested collaboration with CHS. Other members namely, Prof. Shahid
Hussain, Prof. Jinawade, Dr. Mazhar Hussain, Dr. Anwar Alam ,Dr. Ranjit
Saha, Dr. O.P.Singh and Sh. Ganga Sahay Meena did not express any opinion
at all, though most of them were in favor of having programme in memory of
Bhagat Singh. Rest of the faculty members were not present. Only last year
CIL had invited renowned historian Prof. Irfan Habib to deliver Kabir
memorial lecture. Everybody agreed that since JNU is a place known for
interdisciplinary studies, there are no technical boundaries to have
programmes in different disciplines. In spite of large number of faculty
members not supporting Chairman to reject the proposal, Chairman announced
the rejection of proposal, which individually most of the faculty members
felt that it was in bad taste. However not many members expressed their
opinion explicitly in the meeting.
- So for all practical
purposes, the proposal to hold Bhagat Singh memorial lecture in JNU stands
killed, but this whole process raises some disturbing questions, which
needs to be addressed and paid serious attention, such as:
(A) Is
it not administratively and academically immoral to reject the proposal, which
was approved in one meeting of faculty and forwarded to Rector-I?
(B) Does
it not bring JNU into bad light outside
the country, when a renowned scholar is first approached for delivering a
lecture and later has to get a ‘regret letter’, not because of sound
administrative or academic reasons, but because of ‘petty politicking’ at the
centre level?
(C) Is
it not immoral to first forward a letter and then on after thought write a
‘note’ with intention to kill the proposal?
(D) Is
the Chairmanship or any other rotatary academic administrative position a
‘duty’ to be performed dispassionately or to ‘settle personal scores’ or
‘promote personal agenda’, with no objective academic concern for the Centre or
the University?
- I will welcome probe into
the whole issue and submit my mail communication with Prof. Mubark Ali for
scrutiny to any University official. I am enclosing the copy of both the
letters addressed to you in this regard. It is necessary to probe this,
because such subjective and personalized functioning by any chairman will
damage the reputation and credibility of JNU’s academic and democratic
ethos.
- Incidentally I have been
practically, though not formally designated as ‘Consultant’ to proposed
Bhagat Singh Chair, by a committee under the Chairmanship of Rector-II,
which included three Deans of SSS, SIS and SLL&CS. Would it not be
desirable to assign me the duty of organizing such lectures or other
programmes independently, till the time Chair starts formally
functioning?(Annexure-III)
Lastly, since
I have not routed this letter through Chairman/Dean, I wish Rector and Vice
Chancellor to welcome such letters from faculty directly, which are in the
broader interest of the University. You may treat it as official/demi
-official/informal, but please pay urgent attention to the issues involved.
With best regards
Chaman lal
Copy to Vice Chancellor
It was becoming increasingly
clear that even though JNU administration accepted Bhagat Singh Chair for
University, it has no desire to make it functional, not even to hold even a
Bhagat Singh memorial lecture to begin with. It made me very unhappy and gave
me a sense of embarrassment before Sh. Shashi Bhushan, who got this Chair for
JNU at my insistence, but which was not even holding a memorial lecture from
the chair during Bhagat Singh birth centenary, which Govt.of India was
celebrating at big level. In order to pay tributes to Bhagat Singh in JNU
during birth centenary year, in association with Institute of Socialist
Education whose President Sh. Shashi Bhushan was, I mooted a proposal on 5th
March 2008 to hold memorial lecture for Bhagat Singh and 1857 martyrs on 8th
April 2008 in JNU-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated:--5th March, 08
Centre of Indian
Languages (SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal
Nehru University,
New Delhi
-110067
Subject: Proposal
on Bhagat Singh memorial discussion
A Bhagat Singh
memorial discussion on the theme of ‘The relevance of Bhagat Singh in present
day India and Pakistan’ is proposed to be held on 8th April, on the
day of martyrdom of Mangal Pandey and the anniversary of bomb throwing in Delhi
Assembly by Bhagat Singh and B.K.Dutt. The proposed speakers are—Prof. Mubark
Ali from Pakistan, Prof. Bipan Chandra,Prof. Savyasachi Bhattacharya, Chairman
ICHR, Prof. Irfan Habib and Prof. Arjun Dev. The presentations would be
followed by discussion. The total expenses, including, Hall booking, poster
making and refreshments etc. could be around fifty thousand reuppes. Institute of Socialist Education can organize either
on its own or in association with ICHR. The programme can be held in JNU, where
large number of students can turn up for this programme.
Institute
of Socialist Education, New Delhi
Copy—ICHR, New
Dellhi
11. Bhagat
Singh-1857 Memorial discussion held in JNU on 15th April 2008
This
discussion was held in JNU on 15th April. In which Prof. Irfan
Habib,Prof. Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, Prof. Mridula Mukherjee along with Shashi
Bhushan and Vie Chancellor of JNU Prof. B B Bhattacharya participated, was covered well in the media-
12.
Government of India releases two crores rupees grant for Bhagat
Singh Chair
Govt. of India
released funds for the chair on 10th March 2008 with certain conditions, which
included utilizing the funds for the purpose of grant, meaning whereby working
on my proposal submitted by JNU. It also put a penalty of recovery of funds
with 10% penal interest if funds not utilised properly. Within six months
utility certificate for using the grant for assigned proposal was to be
submitted to ministry, which gave grant. Occasional reports were also be
submitted on the developments of the Chair functioning.
In April 2008, I wrote a letter in
this regard to Rector(Academic), expressing my concerns about the chair-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated:--7th April,’08
Centre
of Indian Languages (SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi -110067
Subject: Regarding
Bhagat Singh Chair
I wish to draw your kind
attention towards following facts:
1. I started campaign at all India level to
get first ever Bhagat Singh Chair established in JNU since October, 2006 by
submitting a proposal to the Vice Chancellor, JNU. The proposal was recommended
by more than twenty eminent scholars of the country, including from JNU.
2. I was informed about JNU’s inability
to establish the Chair from its own resources; however I was referred to the
procedure and budgetary needs for establishing a chair in JNU. I wrote to
President and Prime Minister of India, along with sending an appeal to many
members of Parliament and leaders of political parties to support this idea at
their level. I had even drafted an appeal for NRI’s abroad to contribute funds
to facilitate the establishment of this chair. However, since the Govt. of
India notified the formation of National committee and Programme implementation
committee for making programmes to celebrate Bhagat Singh centenary and other
centenaries, I approached the members of this committee. I was happy to get a
very positive response from Sh. Shashi Bhushan, freedom fighter, former M.P.
and Padam Bhushan awardee, who pleaded very strongly to establish Bhagat Singh
Chair in JNU and Bahadur Shah Zafar Chair in IGNOU in National programme
implementation committee, of which , he is one of the most vocal and influential
member. Although there was opinion in favour of Jamia Milia Islamia to have
Bhagat singh Chair, it was on my strong emotional pleading for JNU, that Chair
got finally to JNU.
3. After programme implementation
committee decided to allot Bhagat Singh chair to JNU, it asked JNU through MHRD
to send a proposal in this regard. Deputy Registrar JNU Sh. A.K.Malik sent
proposal ‘Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chair and Archives for Revolutionary Movements
(1757-1947)’. This proposal was drafted by me, which was acknowledged in
forwarding letter of Sh. Malik. On 23rd May, 2007 Vice Chancellor in
his own signature sent the letter to have Chair in School of Social sciences
at JNU.
4. Accepting the proposal sent through
MHRD,the committee initially sanctioned 18 lakh rupees for Bhagat Singh Chair,
but later at the pleadings of Sh. Shashi Bhushan, the corpus fund of rupees two
crore each was sanctioned for Bhagat Singh chair, as well as for Bahadur Shah
Zafar Chair. Interestingly JNU has sought only one crore ruppes as corpus fund,
whereas it got two crores amount, which is rare development.
5. Initially I had also suggested that
JNU faculty could contribute one of their books royalty towards Bhagat Singh
Chair, which I did not pursue later, but I expressed my desire to contribute
royalty or remuneration from my books on Bhagat Singh (Five till now, but more
in preparation).Accordingly I submitted my first cheque received after the
establishment of Bhagat Singh chair to JNU officials for depositing in the
account of Bhagat Singh Chair.
6. On 18th June, 2007,
committee of Deans of School of Social Sciences, School of International
studies and School of Languages, Literatures and Culture, in a meeting chaired
by Rector-II, decided to locate the Chair in the Centre for Historical Studies,
however, keeping in view of my ‘efforts and expertise in the subject’ also
recorded to keep me involved in the establishment of Chair in ‘consultative
capacity’. Frankly, the chair could have been located in any centre, but it
does require an integrated study and program. It needs to have competence or
exposure to political thought, language &literary studies, apart from
having historical perspective. Bhagat
Singh was not only a historical personality, he was a political thinker,
litterateur, who wrote in four different languages—Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and
English. To undertake research & studies on him I am even trying to have
good command on Urdu, which I have already learnt to read slowly.
7. After waiting for many months, I, on
my own talked to Chairman of CHS to have some discussion on the Chair, which
was not generally encouraged. Though I was bit reluctant to take initiative on
my own, still having keen interest to see this historic chair make its mark on
academic scene, having put so much efforts, I ignored the question of even
dignity to carry on communication in this regard, but I failed to get any
positive response, which did made me sad.
8. On February 5th,2008, after having a
preliminary informal discussion with Professor Rajender Kumar,
Rector-I(Academic), I submitted a proposal to him through Chairperson CIL/Dean
SLL&CS, which among other things suggested to inaugurate the Chair around
23rd March, martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, by holding first
international Bhagat Singh memorial lecture. I had offered that apart from
performing my normal duties in CIL, I can devote my time to the chair as
‘Concurrent Professor’, till the time, Chair had its regular incumbent.
Addressed to Rector-I, this letter was duly forwarded to Rector, after being
approved in CIL faculty meeting.
However, the letter of 20th February, ‘In continuation of 5th
February letter’ was killed, the details of which are given in another
communication.(About killed BS lecture proposal)
9. CHS faculty meeting did not agree to
allow me to work on Bhagat Singh Chair as ‘Concurrent Professor’. Faculty
probably did not even discuss my other suggestions like holding lecture/seminar
etc.
10. In the meantime JNU received grant
of two crore rupees from Ministry of Culture vide their letter dated 10th
March, the information of which I had already submitted to VC/Rector with the
copy of minutes of programme implementation committee in January end itself.
While sanctioning the amount, the ministry has put certain terms&
conditions, which include spending the money on ‘given project’ or proposal,
which has been accepted by MHRD earlier and to show
‘performance-cum-achievement report’ thereof within six months, i.e. by the end
of august or so.
11. During the last two years, apart from
actively campaigning for the chair, I had devoted my time and energy to work on
the documentation and propagation of Bhagat Singh’s ideas through
writing/editing books/articles in English, Hindi& Punjabi, and delivering
lectures through length and breadth of the country, the details of which are
available in my bio-data. Even now, I am in the process of preparing at least
three books in English and as many in Hindi, on the basis of material
collected/available in National Archives and Nehru Memorial Library& Museum. Historians refer to my publications in
this regard, but I do not know whether they consider me ‘historian’ or not.
12. I can only request you to find out a
rational and productive way to functionalize Bhagat singh Chair in JNU, for
which we feel proud to have and wish that the original proposal which has been
approved by MHRD, starts taking concrete shape. I can only say that I am ready
to contribute in any manner to see the chair not only function, but also bring
JNU further laurels in the field of academic excellence. I still wish to issue an appeal to NRI’s to
contribute liberally towards this chair, in order to create many fellowships in
the memory of martyrs like Khudi Ram Bose, Kartar singh Sarabha, Ram Prasad
Bismillah, Ashfaquallah, Preetilata Wadedar, Master Surya Sen, Chandershekhar
Azad and so many others.
Rector (Academic)
Copy to Vice Chancellor
Copy to Rector-II
Rather than attending
to my concerns, I was tried to be kept away from all activites relating to
Bhagat Singh Chair, despite 18th June 2007 decision to keep me
involved in ‘Consultative Capacity’! on 10th April 2008, I was sent
this letter-
13.
CHS-JNU
report to Govt. of India-October-2008
As
per the terms of Govt. of India’s grant sanction letter, a report was to be
sent within six months of receiving the funds. Centre for Historical Studies,
though did not do any activity on Chair, sent this report in October 2008,
along with demand for raising grant amount from 2 crore rupees to 10 crore
rupees. The report incidentally was not in consonance with the proposal which
was sent by JNU administration to Govt. of India, which was supposed to “Study
Anti Colonial Revolutionary Movements during 1757-1947 period” and also to
create Archives for that. Original Proposal is given in the beginning of this
story.
14.
Discussion in Centre for
Historical Studies without Prof Bipan Chandra on Chair-30th January 2009
Chairperson
of Centre of Historical Studies (CHS) invited me for a discussion on Chair
programmes on 30th January 2009. Prof. Bhagwan Josh was also part of this
discussion, while we were told that Prof. Bipan Chandra is not able to attend
the meeting due to ‘illness’, which was denied by him later by saying that he
was never invited for the meeting!. CHS Chairperson was supposed to send me the
minutes of this discussion, which he never sent. I had gone to Mauritius in a
UGC assignment for seven weeks, but even after my return, the minutes were not
sent despite two reminders, 1st on 9th April and second
on 5th June in this regard-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated: -- 5th June, 2009
Chairperson
Centre
of Indian Languages (SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi -110067
Sub. Regarding
Minutes of committee on Bhagat Singh Chair
Dear
Professor Neeladri Bhattacharya,
As
you remember, the meeting of above committee was held on 30th
January, 2009 and it was decided that the minutes of the meeting shall be sent
to members within a week. Prof. Bhagwan Josh, yourself and I attended the
meeting. Professor Bipan Chandra was part of the committee, approved by CHS
faculty, but you told that he can’t attend the meeting, as ‘he was not well’.
After my return from Mauritius,
I checked with my office whether any letter from CHS has come. There was no
letter. Your office also expressed ignorance about sending any communication to
me. Professor Bhagwan Josh confirmed that he did not receive the copy of
minutes of the above meeting. I tried to talk to you on phone many times but I
was cold shouldered. Then I sent a reminder to you on 9th April
regarding the minutes, the letter was not even acknowledged, not to think of
getting the copy of the minutes. In between I checked from Professor Bipan
Chandra whether he expressed his unwillingness to attend the meeting. He was
surprised and said that he was not approached about the meeting and he would
have certainly liked to participate in the meeting. Not getting any response from your
side I wrote a letter to Rector-II, under whose Chairmanship the Bhagat Singh
Chair was allotted to CHS, but the committee also put on record to involve me
in the setting up of the chair. The copy of the letter was sent to you as well.
You remember that I and Prof. Bhagwan Josh agreed with you on most of the issues, we just
wanted to add-‘To study Bhagat Singh Thought/Ideas’, prior to what CHS faculty
has put as essential qualifications for the post-‘To study anti-colonial
struggles and movements for social emancipation. While you agreed with us, but
apprehended that CHS faculty will not agree to that. I apprehend that my letter
would have got the same response from your office as you expressed in this
meeting. I am writing this letter to just put
the facts in the matter on record, as I don’t expect now the copy of the
minutes, which now I apprehend that have not been prepared on some purpose,
which I don’t know. Same way to keep Professor Bipan Chandra, the most
respected scholar on Bhagat Singh, away from this crucial meeting also
indicates to some thing which is beyond my comprehension. I am apprehensive
that under the circumstances Bhagat Singh Chair is not going to perform the
tasks for which National Programme implementation committee has sanctioned this
chair to JNU, neither MHRD guidelines are going to be followed in this regard.
It must be kept in mind that MHRD has sanctioned this chair on the base of my
proposal, sent by JNU administration to MHRD.SincerelyChaman LalCopies to –Dean,SSS,
Rector-!,Rector-2,C.E.(Incharge Chairs
15.
Frustration and Withdrawal
Frustrated and disappointed at CHS attitude I
wrote about my concerns to Rector-II, incharge of Chairs in JNU on 7th
April 2009-
Professor
Chaman Lal Dated:
-- 7th April, 2009
Chairperson
Centre
of Indian Languages (SLL&CS)
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067
Regarding
Bhagat Singh Chair
Dear
Professor Kumar,
This
is in reference to the responsibility assigned to me by the committee under
your chairmanship in June 2007. I was and am supposed to have some advisory
role in setting up ‘Bhagat Singh Chair’ in JNU, keeping in view of my
involvement in this regard. I wish to bring to your kind notice some
developments in this connection, which in my view are not very encouraging.
1. I was invited by
Chairperson, Centre for Historical Studies, Prof. Neeladri Bhattacharya to join
in consultation regarding Bhagat Singh Chair in January end 2009.Prof. Neeladri
Bhttacharya, Prof. Bhagwan Josh and myself deliberated upon the programmes for
this proposed Chair. Prof. Bipan Chandra was also supposed to join as per CHS
faculty decision about committee, but perhaps due to health problems, he was
not able to join. Prior to this committee’s meeting, CHS faculty had many
discussions regarding Chair’s academic programmes, about which I was and am
largely unaware of. I had sent the copy of my proposal (only proposal received
by the University despite circulation in at least four major Schools inviting
proposals regarding this Chair), which was duly sent by JNU administration to
MHRD for setting up this Chair in JNU. I was happy that MHRD accepted my
proposal and sanctioned Bhagat Singh Chair for JNU. An amount of Two crore
rupees was also sanctioned for the Chair with certain guidelines.( This amount
is likely to be increased to five crore rupees.) The guidelines included six
monthly reports on the activities of the chair.
2. However it took
almost one and half year to start proceeding in the setting up of the Chair.
While agreeing with most of the suggestions brought by Prof. Neeladri
Bhattacharya on behalf of CHS faculty, I made a suggestion regarding essential
qualifications for the recruitment of Chair Professor. CHS faculty has put it
as—‘To study anti colonial struggles and
movements for social emancipation.’ I suggested adding ‘To study Bhagat
Singh Thought/Ideas’, prior to the above mentioned qualification. Prof. Bhagwan
Josh fully supported me in this regard, while Prof. Neeladri Bhattacharya also
did not oppose it, yet expressed his doubts that CHS faculty might not agree to
this suggestion. Prof. Bhagwan Josh and I did not object to the mentioned
qualification, we just insisted upon adding ‘Study of Bhagat Singh
Thought/Ideas’ to do justice with the Chair. I pleaded that it was first
historic Chair in the country in the name of Bhagat Singh and he has
substantial number of political writings, which becomes the base of studying
Bhagat Singh Thought/ideas and if first ever Bhagat Singh Chair would not begin
with studying Bhagat Singh Thought, what justice it would do to the name or
memory of Bhagat Singh? Even Prof. Bipan Chandra in verbal discussion with me
had told that he fully agrees with my proposal sent to MHRD. This proposal includes study of Bhagat Singh
Thought and also the study of anti colonial movements from 1757 to 1947.
3. After my return from
Mauritius, I came to know that CHS has sent Bhagat Singh Chair Professor post
for advertisement, but this does not include the suggestion of the committee
held in January 2009, regarding essential qualifications for the post and has
put up the earlier CHS faculty recommendation regarding essential qualifications,
without any reference to ‘The Study of Bhagat Singh Thought/Ideas’. This has
somewhat shocked me. While I respect institutional autonomy of faculty/Centre
recommendations, yet the views of committees appointed by faculties themselves
or by University administration should also be given due consideration.
Particularly committees appointed for specific purposes. In this connection,
I was involved in advisory role for
setting up Bhagat Singh Chair by the committee of Deans, chaired by Rector-2 and
also invited by the committee appointed by CHS faculty itself to chalk out
programmes for the Chair. So to ignore the suggestions of the committee in this
regard seems to be very unfair on academic grounds.
4. In the age of RTI,
any person in society at any stage can acquire the copies of proposal sent by
JNU for establishing Bhagat Singh Chair and the copies of MHRD approval in this
regard and ask for report on steps taken. Questions can be raised in
parliament, even before the establishment of Chair, 2-3 questions had already
been raised and JNU had to reply about these. Any Government if it feels that
the amount sanctioned for particular purpose (Chair proposal in this matter)
has not been spent properly, can ask for punitive return of the spent amount, which
is clear from the guidelines sent along with the sanction letter.
5. Considering the whole
issue in proper perspective with care and caution, it would not be advisable to
treat Bhagat Singh Chair like any Professorship in some particular subject.
Chairs like Dr. Ambedkar Chair, Bhagat Singh Chair etc. are established to
focus upon certain specific ideas and movements and these Chairs are under more
academic/public scrutiny as well. I had campaigned to get first ever Bhagat
Singh Chair to be established in JNU, because I think this is the best place
where justice could be done to ideas of Bhagat Singh and also that it has the
best academic environment for studying Bhagat Singh thought. If even JNU can not do justice to the study
of ideas of Bhagat singh in objective and historical perspective, then it would
be repeating the same historical error in evaluation of Bhagat Singh, through
which he remains confined as ‘brave patriot’, ‘ revolutionary terrorist’ or
some such kind and it will bring no good name to the prestige of JNU.
I
hope your intervention will make things move in right direction.
With
sincere regards
Chaman Lal
After not getting any response from Rector, I
addressed another letter to Vice Chancellor on 21st June, confirming
my apprehensions about the chair-
To
21st June, 2009.
The Vice-Chancellor
J.N.U.
New Delhi-110067.
Subject: Regarding Bhagat Singh Chair.
Dear Sir,
This is in the context of the letter which Professor
Chamanlal has sent to you on 5th June,2009 regarding the contents of
the Bhagat Singh Chair. He has sent a copy this letter to me also.
The letter gives the details of the meeting in which
I, Professor Neeladhari Bhattacharya and Professor Chamanlal have participated
to discuss the contents of the Bhagat Singh Chair.This meeting was held on 30th
January, 2009.This is to put on record my perception of the meeting.
- Professor
Chamanlal is correct in saying that minutes of the meeting was not
circulated.
- After
discussion I agreed with professor
Chamanlal that the words “ To study Bhagat Singh’s thought” should be
added to the already framed text which read as: “ To Study Anti-Colonial
Struggles and Movements for social Emancipation.”
- In
my view addition of these words is necessary to underline the fact that
the contents of the Chair ALSO include the specific concerns of a
historical personality that belonged to a specific current of Indian
Nationalism.
Thanking you.
Yours Sincerely
.
Bhagwan Josh
Professor of History.
CHS/SSS.
Copy to:
1.Rector-1
2.Rector-2
3.Dean SSS
4.Chairperson, CHS/SSS
This was the last attempt to draw University
administration attention, Prof. Bhagwan Josh was also not given any response.
From June
2009 to October 2010, till I was in JNU before going for an assignment to
University of West Indies for 14 months, I was not given any information about
Chair’s functioning despite my association with it in ‘Consultative Capacity’
as per JNU administration own decision of 2007.
16. Questions
in Parliament and media discussion
I came to know through media reports that at
least two questions in Lok Sabha regarding Bhagat Singh Chair, one was by BJP
member Hema Malini. There was lot of reports in media, but I am just one in my
records
Probably due to adverse media reports and
Parliament questions, CHS organized first Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial lecture
on 23rd March 2010 by Prof. Bipan Chandra, but that was the only
activity in whole seven-eight years of existence of Bhagat Singh Chair in JNU.
Second lecture , which is controversial to say the least in relation to Chair
was only after five years in 2015! This also might not had been held, if Aam
Aadmi Party MP Dr. Dharamveer Gandhi had not written to Vice Chancellor about
the chair on 29th September 2014-
17. Another
Attempt with Vice Chancellor Prof. Sopory
During
my stay in The University of the West Indies, Prof. S.K.Sopory took over as
Vice Chancellor of JNU. He has been very warm and positive personality and
showed interest in Bhagat Singh Chair. Mostly discussions took place with him
verbally, but he was not able to
convince Centre for Historical Studies(CHS) to make chair functional and he
could not do much respecting JNU’s internal academic autonomy. However at one
time in 2012, after my return from Trinidad, I submitted the complete 20
document file to VC, Rector, to all three Deans of SSS/SIS/SLL&CS, who were
part of deciding about Chair in June 2007. I submitted hard copies of these
documents, the details of which are given in covering list-
Sad State of AffairsBhagat Singh Chair,
JNU: Details with Documents in Sequence
1.
Proposal for Bhagat Singh Chair by Prof.
Chaman Lal with endorsements
2.
Media coverage for Chair-The Tribune, The
Hindu, Asian Age and lot more-Dec.2006-Jan.07
3.
Submission of proposal to JNU VC-December
2006
4.
Bhagat Singh Chair granted by Govt. of
India-6th March 2007
5.
Letter from MHRD to JNU regarding Chair-28th
March,2007
6.
Submission of proposal of Prof. ChamanLal
by JNU to MHRD, as per required by MHRD (Only proposal from whole faculty!)-11th
May 2007
7.
Acceptance of Chair proposal by Dean,
SSS-18th May 2007
8.
JNU VC confirmation to MHRD about Chair-23rd
May 2007
9.
JNU Committee allotment of Chiar to CHS,
appreciating Prof. Chaman Lal with associating him in ‘Consultative Capacity’
to chair-18th June,2007
10.
JNU letter to CHS Chairperson on Chair-26th
February,2008
11.
MHRD letter to JNU- sanction of funds for
Chair with condition of recovery with penal interest for non-functioning of
Chair in stipulated period-10th March, 2008
12.
My letter to Rector regarding Chair-7th
April,2008
13.
Letter of CHS Chairperson to Rector in
response to above-10th April,2008
14.
Letter of Prof. ChamanLal to Govt. of
India through Sh. ShashiBhushan on more chairs in the name of martyrs-5th
June 2008
15.
Shashi Bhushan signed notification on 11
Chairs in Universities, including JNU
16.
CHS report on Bhagat Singh Chair-October
2008
17.
My letter to Rector, JNU on Chair-7th
April 2009
18.
My letter to Chairperson ,CHS-5th
June 2009
19.
My letter to JNU VC-8th June
2009
20. Prof.
Bhagwan Josh’s letter to JNU VC on Chair -21st June, 2009
No further correspondence. Got exasperated at University’s non
seriousness.Perhaps one or more questions in Parliament about Bhagat Singh
Chair’s non functioning were asked. Details could be with Coordinator Dr.
Chandershekhran
19.- Bhagat Singh
Archives Proposal
Since my retirement from JNU was due and I was concerned about my
collection of revolutionary literature of freedom movement, which included more
than 1500 hundered books, out of which 100+ were in Photostat format, which
were not available anywhere and which I collected from my field search for
material. This also includes many more documents of historic value like Bhagat
Singh Trial proceedings etc. I thought
since Vice Chancellor Sopory is positive, so I gave him a proposal for Bhagat
Singh Archives, for which I wished to gist all my collection without any
payment for the purpose of research and public utility of this matter. This was
to be more on the pattern of PC Joshi archives, but with much more matter than
Joshi archives had in the beginning. I was ready to have this archives located
in JNU library, for which JNU Librarian seems to be inclined initially-
Proposal to set up Bhagat Singh Archive to
preserve documents relating to Revolutionary freedom struggles in India from
1757 to 1947
Bhagat Singh Archives: Documents of
Revolutionary Movements (1757-1947)
In 2006, I gave a proposal of
Bhagat Singh Chair to be established in JNU. The proposal included apart from
other points, to set up a Bhagat Singh Archive, which should not only have
documents relating to Bhagat Singh and his organization-HSRA, but also from all
other revolutionary movements launched and fought in different parts of the
country from 1757 onwards, when East India Company after winning Plassey war
against Indian rulers, started occupying whole of India, resulting in Queen of
England’s direct take over after first war of Independence in 1857. This proposal
was accepted in Toto by MHRD and funds released to establish the chair and
archives as early as in 2007 or 8. While filling up the chair may have some
problems, setting up archives was not such a big problem. JNU has infra
structure in its library and already some other archives exist as well.
There are hundreds
of such movements fought by different sections of Indian society in far away
parts of the country, including movements by tribal’s and other poorer
sections. Documents of most of these movements are in Indian languages, which
are not translated either in Hindi or English, except few. Large number of
these documents may even have been lost, because of no institution or
Government taking any interest in their collection or
preserving of these since independence. Only National Archives of India and Nehru
Memorial Museum and Library in Delhi have some documents collected and
preserved, but that too not in proper sections.
During Bhagat Singh birth
centenary and 1857’s 150th anniversary in 2007, some sensitivity has
grown about revolutionary aspects of Indian freedom struggle, which still had
remained confined to Indian National Congress, Muslim League kind of mainstream
mass movements. But that is neither complete history of freedom struggle nor of
undivided India or of later India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Mainstream
processes in a society or nation may have hegemonic presence in academic world,
the significance of other processes, though not considered mainstream, cannot
be ignored. Nor the documents of Indian languages depicting the history of
these processes can be overlooked by any enlightened academic institution.
I have got nearly 1500
books/journals/photocopied documents in Hindi, Punjabi, English, Urdu, Bengali,
Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, and Telugu etc. from various sources
relating largely to revolutionary movements and freedom struggle in general in
my own collection. These include photocopies of many rare and now unavailable
books. These include almost hundred plus books on Bhagat Singh alone, hundreds
of books/documents on HSRA, Gadar party, Chittagong revolt, INA of Netaji
Subhas Bose and more. While I can part with this collection of mine to gift it
to Bhagat Singh Archive, if JNU can plan and execute it, though I need to keep
working upon and consult these documents
for at least another decade or so, till the time my health permits me to work.
However this archive cannot be set up without proper shape. There are different
sources to collect material from, like:
1. National
Archives of India.
2. Nehru
Memorial Museum and Library
3. State
Archives of almost all states, particularly of UP, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar,
Delhi etc.
4. Archives
of Pakistan and Bangladesh, even Nepal and Afghanistan, where Indian
revolutionaries took shelter.
5. Gadar
party archives of University of California, Berkeley campus, New York Public
Library, Singapore and many more countries’ different institutions.
6. Desh
Bhagat yadgar Hall, Jalandhar, Shaheed Smark Lucknow and Agra and more such
institutions.
7. Digital
records-I myself have hundreds of photographs in my computer, of family,
friends, comrades, monuments/posters etc. of Bhagat Singh and other
revolutionaries, which can be enriched further with more collections
I have
seen P C Joshi archives in JNU library, which is focused on Communist movement
in India, but which does not have much material on revolutionary movements of
pre 1947 period. Bhagat Singh Archives should specifically focus on
revolutionary movements and its documents, in the form of
books/journals/pamphlets/handwritten documents/police reports/home deptt.
documents etc.
Any foreign University of
repute, which is having strong South Asia study centre, shall be happy to
acquire this collection, even paying for
it, yet it will not serve the purpose, surely it will preserve documents well.
This collection can also be gifted to institutions like Desh Bhagat Yaadgar
Hall Jalandhar, Shaheed Smark Lucknow or Agra, but these institutions do not
have resources to expand the archives and serve as research centres for lack of
infra structure. Nehru memorial Museum and Library may still be the best and
ideal institution for such collection, and if JNU is unwilling to set up such
archives, I shall have to approach it. However despite a lot of frustration, I
still wish that JNU could have such collection from me, as well as from other
places, in which I can play a facilitating role, if JNU is willing for that.
But this can be done only in proper conducive atmosphere and respect for such
collections.
I am submitting this
proposal for one last time, if JNU does not wish to consider it, it is up to
it.But that will certainly make scholars world over think that are their some
deep routed prejudices at work against revolutionary movements and its
documentation in Indian languages, to be focused in JNU, which has a
progressive image world over, but which is not proved to be so, many times by
its choices and preferences in academic elitism and its over emphasis on English
language hegemony!
I do wish that
this treasure may not get lost for lack of interest on the part of academia in
JNU, which may force me to gift it or arrange its handing over to some other
institution. Though Teenmurthi (Nehru Memorial Museum and Library) is best
place for its upkeep, yet I prefer JNU, due to presence of large number of
students on the campus and many more visiting the place. I wish these documents
to be available to maximum of interested readers for consultation, but without
taking out of the premises. I also think that archives should be located in
Central Library like place, which is open and have easy access for JNU
community and others concerned. Both JNU and Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
are visitor friendly institutions, but JNU can have much more utility of these
documents for purpose of research and inspiration to youth to inculcate
national values and sense of dedication towards nation, society and people.
Chaman Lal, Retired Professor
To my surprise even this
proposal was put into cold storage by the University. I had talked about it to
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Teenmurthy, the best institution with such
archival material and they were willing too.
Since JNU did not show any
interest even in archives, it frustrated me a lot and as I was to leave Delhi
after retirement, so I shifted all my books and other collections to my
residence in Patiala for interim period.
I did release few of my books on Bhagat
Singh in JNU campus outside campus
1. Shaheed Bhagat Singh: Datstavezon ke Aaine
Men- (Ed.-Hindi)-Complete available writings of Bhagat Singh-published by Govt.
of India Publication Division-released by Kuldip Nayar in Shastri Bhavan, Delhi-
on 19th December 2007)
2. Bhagat Singh: Vicharvan Inqlabi (Punjabi)-released
in January 2009 at Navyug Farm Delhi by Kuldip Nayar
3. Bhagat Singh (Hindi) on 23rd March
2009 in SAAS auditorium-released by Prof. G S Bhalla
4. Krantiveer Bhagat Singh:Abhyuodey aur
Bhavishya(Ed.-Hindi)-on 24th August 2012-released by Vice Chancellor
Prof. S.K.Sopory, Prof. Manager Pandey
5. Understanding Bhagat Singh (English)-on 3rd
May 2013, released by Prof. Randhir Singh, in presence of Prof. G.K.Chadha,
Prof. S.K.Sopory, Prof. Mushirul Hasan, Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty. Prof. Mridula
Mukhrejee received the first copy for Prof. Bipan Chandra, who could not join
due to illness.
6. Bhagat Singh ke Rajnitik Dastavez(Ed.Hindi)
was published by National Book Trust, New Delhi in 2007 and was translated and
published in Urdu and Punjabi in 2010 and 2011.
7. Shaheed Bhagat Singh: Dastavezon ke Aaine
men(Ed.-Urdu)-December 2014-Translated from 2007 publication in Hindi by
Publication Division, Govt. of India, but updated with new documents.
To m
20.
Some Observations and Questions
Anybody not knowing internal functioning of
JNU will feel perplexed at this sad story of Bhagat Singh Chair. Why an
enlightened and supposedly left oriented University will treat Bhagat Singh
Chair in this shabby and inexplicable manner? Chair was rightly granted to
Centre for Historical Studies, which still had Prof Bipan Chandra on its
faculty as Professor Emeritus, apart from Prof. Romila Thapar and having such
luminaries as Prof. Sabyasachi Bhattachary, Prof. Harbans Mukhiya as its
retired faculty. But the present faculty in administrative control probably did
not consider Bhagat Singh as a significant political or historical personality,
who could be treated as thinker like Dr. Ambedkar. Though Prof. Bipan Chandra
did treat Bhagat Singh as thinker, his students in important position in
History centre did not treat him so or at least value him as much as Prof.
Bipan Chandra did. Secondly though some of Bhagat Singh’s writings are
available in English, most or complete available writings are in Hindi, Urdu or
Punjabi, translated in Marathi, Telugu, Bengali etc. as well. Though JNU or AMU
or other historians do treat classical languages- Sanskrit, Persia, Arabic
writings source material as valuable historic sources for research, somehow for
modern Indian languages material, they have certain hesitations in treating as
authentic sources for research. They may treat Adivasi languages etc. again as
authentic source material for Subaltern research in History, but not so much
modern Indian languages material! For the study of Revolutionary stream of
Indian freedom movement, best source material is available mostly in Bengali,
Marathi, Hindi, Punjabi and such modern Indian languages, which has not been used
by most of the eminent and progressive historians of the country. Ironically
research is being done on Bhagat Singh in Australian, UK and US like
Universities, but in our own Universities, research on such topics is confined
to Universities like Meerut, Lucknow, where thesis’s, even in History or Political
Science departments have been written in Hindi or other Indian languages, which
are valued very little in JNU like Universities.
Other reason for JNU History centre has been
that for them researchers on Bhagat Singh are not available in their
discipline-History or Modern or Cotemporary History and they cannot treat
researchers like me or other non History discipline people as Historians, even
if The Hindu like media treat it on the basis of writings!
Due to all these reasons my trust in JNU as
the best University to have first ever historic chair on Bhagat Singh, has
proved futile and late Sh. Shashi Bhushan’s skepticism about JNU has proved
true. My struggle to get Bhagat Singh Chair began almost a year after I joined
in its Faculty and it continued till my retirement! At the end of my career in
JNU, while feeling quite happy and satisfied in general sense, I am left with a
festering wound in regard to Bhagat Singh Chair, which first of its kind in
Indian academic world remains non functional. Now when anti-JNU spirited political
powers are at the helm of the country, what they would do in this matter, is
not hard to imagine! But do not progressive and enlightened historians of JNU
owe responsibility and accountability to
Indian people and their own fellow academia for not performing their duty to
bring Bhagat Singh’s historic personality and progressive ideas to mainstream
of history, so that it could not have been left to neo rightist powers and
Batra type of historians to color and distort Bhagat Singh at their will!? Though
I am sure-had this Chair been given to JNU, when Prof. Bipan Chandra and his
other colleagues were in active service and could influence the centre, this Chair
would have done excellent research and done justice to Bhagat Singh’s historic
personality, his place in freedom struggle and his ideas. But now-very big
question mark?
Dr. B
R Ambedkar was also not given his due in Indian history till the time Dalit
movement arose in strength and then political power holders and hegemonic
academia also shifted their attention to B R Ambedkar and now one can ignore
him only at one’s own peril! Left movement in India itself did not think Bhagat
Singh to be their own political thinker and kept him confined as an icon just
for their youth at emotional level and did not encourage academic research in
states ruled by them for long time.Irony is that even though JNU has strong
presence of left student activism, none of those activists are bothered about
this Chair, though they sing songs on Bhagat Singh day, hold meetings or show
films, but none of them had tried to do research on his historic role or ideas
in JNU. I remember one of very senior radical activist was keen to do research
on Hindi literature relating to Bhagat Singh, but dropped due to negative
attitude of Centre Chairperson, who was against this idea. So much for their
convictions!
Ironically though I am treated as out caste by
JNU historians, most of the thesis’s done on Bhagat Singh, either in History or
Political Science departments of Universities, have been referred to me as
examiner!
Such is the sad state of affairs
of Bhagat Singh Chair in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi!
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