RK Pachauri to Skip TERI University Convocation Following Protests

TERI’s executive vice-chairman R K Pachauri will not attend Teri University’s March 7 convocation.

Dr RK Pachauri (Photo: PTI)

After protests by students over sexual harassment allegations, climate scientist RK Pachauri has reportedly gone on leave as executive vice-chairman and will not be attending Teri University’s March 7 convocation ceremony.

Protests against RK Pachauri’s appointment as vice-chairman of the governing council of The Energy and Resources Institute had intensified, with 20 students who have completed courses at TERI university, saying that they would not accept their degrees from Pachauri during the convocation.

We would like to make it clear that we are not in a position to accept our degrees from Pachauri at the convocation. We reiterate the trajectory that the university is taking is dangerous and grossly inconsiderate, and as alumni, we sincerely hope that TERI University’s board of management seriously re-evaluates Pachauri’s continuing role as chancellor... 

Letter to Rajiv Seth, Acting Vice-chancellor 

Meanwhile, another woman who was also subjected to sexual harassment by RK Pachauri while at TERI, has decided to break her silence.

Ever since the FIR against Pachauri came to light, she has been stating that she was also sexually harassed by Pachauri, and all her efforts to have her statement recorded have been obstructed by the police.