(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Three students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) yesterday launched a hunger strike demanding an end to the controversy over the appointment of actor and Bharatiya Janata Party member Gajendra Chauhan as its chairman.
The students of the institute have been on strike for the last 91 days in protest against Chauhan's appointment.
The FTII students, teachers and the alumni said they were doing everything in their capacity to get justice.
"We are doing everything that has been planned, to make sure that the government comes and at least have a dialogue with us. We will continue to do whatever we can in our capacity as students to ensure that the government comes... so that there is a mutually agreeable solution to this," Ranjit Nair, a protesting student said.
The alumni of the institute who include national award filmmakers such as Mani Ratnam, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Jahnu Barua, Dibakar Bannerjee, Girish Kasaravalli and Resul Pookutty will hold a press conference in Mumbai to appeal to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking his intervention.
FTII is the country's premier institute in film studies. Its students and alumni have said that Chauhan lacks the credentials for the post and that his appointment is politically motivated.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said attempts made by legendary film personalities to negotiate between the students and the central government have failed because the protesters have taken an "extremely hard line."
He insisted his ministry had not been harsh with the students.
Rathore also said that systemic improvement is required at the institute
"Unfortunately the students have taken an extremely hard line. We are ready to resolve all issues. We have had multiple talks with them. There have been innumerable backdoor negotiations with the students. Some of the legendary actors, directors, producers have negotiated on behalf of both, they have given up," Rathore said.
"We want to resolve it. We have not been harsh with the students at all. We have been extremely liberal with the students there. Unfortunately the students have taken an extremely hard line. We are ready to resolve all issues," he said.
Rathore, who first tried to dodge media queries on the issue, also pointed out to broader issues related to FTII, hinting that the issue of Chauhan's appointment was not the only aspect which needed focus.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.