Angst over Urdu professor as Tamil department head

CHENNAI: The temporary appointment of an Urdu professor as in-charge of the Tamil language department of the University of Madras has apparently upset students and faculty members. Peeved by the appointment, some academicians pointed out there was no need to appoint an Urdu professor when there was enough talent available within the Tamil department.
Prof Syed Sajjad Hussain was appointed to the post after Dr V Arasu went on a six-month sabbatical. Dr Arasu, head of department of Tamil literature, was holding additional charge of the Tamil language department. An order issued by the registrar of University of Madras recently confirmed the appointment of professor and head of Arabic, Persian and Urdu Dr Syed Sajjad Hussain as head/in-charge of the department of Tamil Language.
“Can such a thing happen in other language departments, say Hindi or Urdu. We are deeply hurt by this and the university’s decision is unfair,” said an academician. “Hussain is a revered scholar in Urdu and director of Marina campus. But the university cannot justify his appointment,” he said.
At present the department has three faculty members in the rank of professor and assistant professor. At least two of them face serious charges from students.
Vice-chancellor G Thiruvasagam told TOI that Hussain’s appointment was only a temporary arrangement “until further orders”. “As a case is pending in court, I cannot comment further on this. Hussain is the chairperson of school of languages in the university and director of Marina campus, so we appointed him,” Thiruvasagam said.
When contacted, Hussain said his appointment to Tamil department was not unusual since there were occasions in the past when campus directors were made in-charge of other departments due to court cases. “Though I am not technically qualified to conduct classes, I can manage the administration and academic activities,” Hussain said.
“Let legal complications be set right soon by the varsity. We only want our professors to guide scholars and conduct seminars/workshops,” said a student.