Joshi terms 'foolish' BHU notice to teachers on RSS seminar

Varanasi, Nov 25 (UNI) The BJP today termed as foolish, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) notice to its teachers over their reported participation in a RSS seminar.

Former HRD minister and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, interacting with newspersons here termed the BHU notice seeking explanation from teachers in this regard as ''foolish.'' He also refused talking to HRD minister Arjun Singh over the matter saying ''it is useless to talk to him.'' ''Aisa bartav kisi agyani dwara hi dikhaya jaa sakata'' (such acts can only be done by foolish people),'' Dr Joshi quipped.

Even the country's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru once termed universities as centers of ideas and idealism for which free thought was essential, he said.

''Seeking such foolish explanations from teachers over their participation in a seminar organised by RSS that furthers nationalism shaws that BHU administration is hell-bent at suppressing free thought among students and teachers.'' ''RSS is an organisation with whom the association of teachers and students should be promoted rather than restricted. It is the umbrella of nationalism under which every individual should come,'' he observed.

Dr Joshi also refused to buy the BHU standpoint that the participation of teachers at the RSS seminar amounted to violation of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964. ''The teachers in BHU are not covered by the CCS (Conduct) Rules, but governed by the Act of Parliament according to which the central varsity functions,'' he added.

The former BJP president, however, denied the party was planning to launch a movement over the issue. ''The teachers who have been served the notice are themselves capable of giving a befitting reply to the notice.'' MORE UNI ARS VS SAM MSJ RAI1907