FTII Issues Notice, Threatens Rustication if Strike Not Called Off

We decoded the notice addressed to their student leader. This is what Director DJ Narain is really saying.

A copy of the notice issued by FTII director DJ Narain. 

The FTII students strike has entered the second month and the situation is only getting worse. The institution’s director DJ Narain served a notice to the striking students on Wednesday warning them of strong administrative action. In the notice, Narain said that action might include rustication if they do not terminate the protest immediately.

This is the first warning since the FTII students began their strike demanding cancellation of Gajendra Chauhan’s appointment as Chairman.

A copy of the notice issued by FTII director DJ Narain. 

What is the Notice Really Saying?

• Administration will not remain bystanders: Continuing defiance of the directives of the Director will result in the strictest administrative action.
• We will do anything to stop you: The action against striking students might also include rustication.
• Stop taking a stand for whatever it is you believe in: Students must call off their strike immediately and resume academic activity.
  
• You are asking for it: Students will be responsible for the action taken against them.

The notice was addressed to students’ leader Harishankar Nachimuthu.

Time to Re-think Strategy?

File photo of protesting FTII students. (Photo: PTI)

Asked to react to the director’s warning, a spokesman of the FTII Students’ Association (FSA) said, “we are in the process of deliberations and decide future course of action”.

The action by the FTII director came after the failed July 3 talks between the FSA delegation and Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on the contentious issue.

The agitating students have alleged that the actor, known for his role of Yudhishthira in TV series Mahabharat, lacks “vision and stature” to head the FTII.

(With inputs from PTI)