BANGALORE: The School of Economics fiasco at Bangalore University and the subsequent fallout with Jindals is likely to spell doom on many projects in university. During a 2-day conference on ‘The Role and Responsibilities of Media on Women Representation’ in December last year, Vice-Chancellor Prabhu Dev had requested Doordarshan Kendra director Dr Mahesh Joshi for a 10 pm slot for a programme that would air views on women empowerment. Two months later, the proposal has come to a standstill, following the Jindal episode.
“I had requested Dr Joshi for a prime time slot for a programme that is fully sponsored by BU. Considering the huge costs involved, we wanted to look for sponsors. Post the Jindal fallout, I don’t think it is a good idea,” he said, suggesting that the proposed programme would not see the light of day in near future.
Quashing the notion that BU was facing a fund crunch, he said,“BU can go ahead with sponsoring the programme but the chances of getting the prime time slot will be more with sponsors. While I haven’t heard from DD, I don’t think much will happen about that for now, especially after the fallout with Jindal.”
This may not come as a surprise, as Prabhu Dev stated on-the-record after the fallout that the proposed School of Communication would also take a backseat.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahesh Joshi had a different take on the proposed programme. “Officially, I have not received any letter from the officials of the University. However, as a public service broadcaster, I will consider the proposal if it comes to me in writing,” he told Express.