ASIHSS project gains momentum

Around two months ago, the responsibility to coordinate the UGC-funded project was handed over to S K Kushwaha, the current Head of Art History and Aesthetics Department. Prof Panikkar was earlier the HoD of Art History and Aesthetics. During his tenure, the funds were allotted for ASIHSS. When controversy about Chandramohan’s paintings occurred in May 2007, Prof Panikkar was the officiating Dean in-charge of the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA).

In 2005, nearly Rs 41 lakh were allotted to the Art History and Aesthetics Department by the UGC. The funds were to be utilised in a phased manner in the period 2005-2010.

Nearly Rs 10 lakh were to be utilised as part of non-recurring funds in the first phase. During this phase, equipment such as laptops, computers, camera, LCD projector, slide scanner and slides were to be purchased. However, after Chandramohan controversy and Prof Panikkar’s suspension, the entire project was stopped.

“Even as the equipment were purchased, they were not used. There was a specific project about the digitisation of several slides, which were important not only in the field of art history but also in other areas of fine arts. The funds were allotted under recurring and non-recurring divisions. The project was to be undertaken from the non-recurring funds of the ASIHSS and around Rs 7.28 lakh of the allotted Rs 10 lakh were used,” said Kushwaha.

Recently, the equipment were taken out and installed in a room. A server was set up near the slide scanner so that it could be connected with the other departments of Fine ArtsFaculty. After getting charge of ASIHSS, Kushwaha plans to initiate a dialogue with the UGC, Delhi on this issue. The Art History and Aesthetics Department could not utilise the total funds because of the delay in appointing an authority as a coordinator of the project.