Bhavan’s College in Ahmedabad has become mired in a controversy for inviting film director Vivek Agnihotri, accused in the #MeToo movement by actor Tanushree Dutta, as chief guest for a national seminar. Bhavan’s Sheth RA College of Arts and Commerce had organised a two-day national seminar on ‘Role of Cultural History in Formation of Society’, sponsored by Indian Council of Philosophical Research to be held on November 24-25.
As the #MeToo movement gained momentum in the country with actor Tanushree Dutta accusing Nana Patekar of sexual harassment, last month, she also named Agnihotri for sexual misconduct on the sets of the film ‘Chocolate’. For the inauguration of the event, while Agnihotri has been invited as the chief guest, other guests include Dr Himanshu Pandya, vice-chancellor, Gujarat University, Professor Kuldeep Chandra Agnihotri, vice-chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala and Arvind Jamkhedkar, chairman, ICHR.
On Thursday, NSUI members submitted a memorandum to the registrar of Gujarat University, raising concerns over the event and demanded the event be cancelled. Said Farhan Khan, general secretary, NSUI, “Inviting people who are involved in sexual harassment cases will have negative impact on students. We want the event to be cancelled or the chief guest to be replaced by the education minister or someone who can inspire or motivate children.”
When DNA reached out to Bhavan’s College principal Neerja Gupta, she said, “I have not received any objection letter nor has it come to my notice. It is a seminar on role of cultural history and we have invited people who are practicing professionals from various fields including film, literature, media, arts, etc. Whether someone is accused or not, I am not going to comment on that.
“We need a variety of people to discuss the topic hence we have invited Vishnu Pandya from literature as well. Also, according to me, by not inviting anyone who is accused, is protecting the person. It is a good idea to bring them to a public platform and ask questions.”
