Kolkata: Scottish Church principal quits

KOLKATA: Barely a day after Jaipuria College was forced to suspend classes, Scottish Church College principal put in his papers on Saturday, sending out signals that something is gravely wrong with the college campuses. While signing off, principal Amit Abraham had hinted at “pressure from within and outside". Abraham didn't name anyone but has made a suggestive post on social media on his decision to resign.“I had come here to SERVE and not to RULE.But, I began ruling over the hearts of people which offended some great minds," the post states.
Who are all these “great minds“ -student union leaders, a governing body member or the education minister himself ? The post has left the minister fuming. “There is no instance of stu dent unrest within the institution. This has become a common plea nowadays.Instead, the principal burnt bridges with the vice-principal and church authorities,“ education minister Partha Chatterjee said. Asked if the principal had come under pressure from higherups over college admission, the minister said: “He doesn't have to do anything. Let him stay and I will see that he faces no problem.“ Abraham isn't yielding. He has sent his resignation to chairman of the college council and bishop Ashok Biswas.The letter mentions that he is leaving due to “unavoidable circumstances.“
Abraham will continue for a month from now, and isn't willing to take up the issue. “I still uphold the values and tradition of Scottish Church College, I won't point fingers at anyone or get involved in a nasty blame game,“ he re marked, adding that he had said what he had to on social media.
“I have said enough in a very few words. One should know by my status on the social networking site the exact reason behind my going away . I can't be more explicit in my words. The hint is enough,“ Abraham said.
The outgoing principal, a prominent psychologist, said he isn't joining any other institution for the time being.He plans to go back to his home in picturesque Nainital.
If Scottish Church has cropped up as a new problem, Jaipuria College has turned out to be an eyesore for the government. The college authorities are still not sure if they can resume classes from Monday because teachers and employees have refused to do so till those who manhandled a teacher near Lal Mandir are booked.
College employees told this to director of public instructions N Saha when he visited the campus on Saturday to break the stalemate. Rivalry between student factions of Trinamool often leads to clashes. Sources in the government said that minister Sashi Panja has been removed from the college governing board. Teachers fear that violence might escalate in the run-up to the students' union elections scheduled after the Pujas.