Mysore/Mysuru: The agitation against Dr. M. Meera, Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Mysore (UoM), by a section of students and research scholars regarding the lack of a timetable, unsanitary conditions in the toilets and the alleged use of offensive language against a particular community is unfortunate and calls for immediate intervention by the UoM Vice-Chancellor, said K.C. Biddappa, President of the Mysore City  Pensioners Association.

In a press release, Biddappa, the retired Senior Vice-President of ITC and past President of the Coorg Wildlife Society, expressed distress and dismay at learning about the protests.

“It is inconceivable that Dr. Meera, an able, learned and compassionate teacher with the highest degree of academic integrity, would behave in such a manner. She is simply incapable of being rude to students, let alone insulting them based on their caste. I have been visiting the IDS for the past five years, and even then, the toilets were in a poor state,” he stated.

“The allegation that the timetable has not yet been finalised by Dr. Meera is rather amusing. Under her guidance, two candidates have been awarded Ph.D degrees and currently, four research scholars are pursuing their doctorates, two of whom belong to SC/ST communities (including a Jenu Kuruba) and they have expressed high appreciation for Dr. Meera’s guidance and support,” Biddappa mentioned.

“When my daughter was finalising her Ph.D thesis, Dr. Meera would have conference calls from 10 pm until the wee hours of the morning. I always wondered how a guide, after completing her household chores, spends hours talking to her Ph.D student,” he remarked.

“I feel that a good teacher, who does not compromise on academic integrity, does not bend rules, but lacks political clout, is normally subjected to this kind of harassment and intimidation to get them vacate their position and pave the way for someone else,” Biddappa said.

“I studied at the University of Mysore about 55 years ago when it was considered one of the top Universities in the country led by outstanding academicians from the Vice-Chancellors to the lecturers, all dedicated to striving for academic excellence for the University and the student community. Dr. Meera belongs to that earlier era of academicians,” he added.

Biddappa has urged the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar to institute an impartial inquiry to find out the truth and take appropriate action.