Marathi prof takes charge of English dept

Two of Raos books,BomGay and The Boyfriend are regarded as cult classics. Apart from penning 10 books,he has pioneered a course on LGBT literature in the department the only such course in any university in India. Rao did not comment on whether he was overlooked owing to his gay status.

The university,however,does not think it unusual for professors to be put in charge of departments other than their own. W N Gade,Director of the Board of College and University Development,said,There have been several problems in the English department owing to personality clashes among the teachers. There is also no bias against any professor because of his/her sexuality. We have certain expectations from the department and the Vice-Chancellor,who has discretionary powers,decided to appoint a senior professor in the Marathi department as the new head of the English department.

Gade said he had explained to Rao that the appointment was until further orders.

The new head of the department,Prof Awalgaonkar,said he was also the Dean of the Faculty of Arts,and as a senior professor could take charge of a department. However I will not teach the subject, Awalkgaonkar said.