Jnanpith panel may drop V-C

Despite a dramatic U-turn from his derogatory remarks against women writers and the postponement of the Jnanpith meeting to decide his fate,the V-C of the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University,Vibhuti Narain Rai,is likely to be removed from the panel that chooses the prestigious Jnanpith awards.

Pressurised from all quarters after the publication of his remarks in its journal Naya Gyanodaya,the Jnanpith trust called an emergency meeting of its trustees on Monday night to discuss the membership of Rai in its panel. However,the meeting was postponed to Tuesday morning with Naya Gyanodayas editor Ravindra Kalia,who was summoned from Goa,not turning up. We will take a final decision tomorrow. Wed not like to associate ourselves with such issues and people, said managing trustee of Bharatiya Jnanpith Akhilesh Jain.

Rai has backtracked from his statements,putting the blame on Kalia. I never used the word chhinal. I dont know how it was inserted. Ive spoken to Kalia about it, he said. When reminded that he was on TV justifying the usage of the word,he said: I was only explaining the meaning.

About removing Kalia,Jain said: We will take appropriate action once we receive the letters. The prestige of Jnanpith is paramount for us. Kalia was unavailable for comments.