Pune’s Gokhale Institute row: Students extend their support to Sanjeev Sanyal

Over 100 students of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) have signed an open letter in support of Chancellor Sanjeev Sanyal. The letter, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, states, “Your (Sanyal) work as an economic historian, policy advisor and public intellectual has inspired countless young minds across India. We are proud to have someone like you associated with our institution.”

The students said Sanyal interacted with students and alumni unlike the previous Chancellor. They also said Sanyal had helped the student-led initiative ‘Policy Conclave’, which became a landmark in the history of the institute. Policymakers and stewards of industry, among others, came to the institute for the conclave. “For many of us, it was the first time the walls of Gokhale institute felt open to the world we hope to shape one day,” the letter said.

Sanyal, the letter said, managed to bring companies for placement even late in the recruitment cycle.

Story continues below this ad

The students trained their guns against the Servants of India Society (SIS), who, “instead of nurturing their dream, were more interested in their own financial interests even if that meant dismantling the spirit, credibility and legacy of Gokhale Institute”. This was betrayal of the students who took admission at the institute, the latter stated.

Students, the letter said, were with Sanyal not just as students but as custodians of this institute’s legacy.