Univ a showcase on Govt record

Even as MS University authorities seem to be making all efforts to please the saffron bosses because of the fracas in the fine arts department, they seem to have forgotten one book brought out by the government of Gujarat in 2004.

Then the Modi government, in its effort to hardsell the state, had released a book titled 8216;Centres of Excellence in Gujarat8217; during the Vibrant Gujarat festival. Among the 30-odd centres showcased from all over the state, MSUs fine arts department was the lone entry from Vadodara. In fact, it was the only art school from the state to figure in the government8217;s document.

The book praised the department saying: 8220;The department creates opportunities for students to work with professionals from time to time, boosts their confidence and helps them to face the world after completion of studies.8221; Last week8217;s incident at MSU8217;s fine arts department could not have been more far-removed from what the Gujarat government booklet promised.