Statement by Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University
Ashoka University confirms that Dr. Sabyasachi Das, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, has submitted his resignation. Dr. Das is currently on leave from Ashoka, serving as visiting faculty at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (Deemed to be University) in Pune. After making extensive efforts to dissuade him, the University has accepted his resignation.
Dr. Das’s paper on Indian elections was the subject of a widespread controversy after being shared recently on social media, where it was perceived by many to reflect the views of the University. At Ashoka University, members of faculty have freedom to teach and carry out research in the areas they choose – the University affords its faculty and students what it believes is the most enabling environment for academic freedom at an institution of higher education in the country. The University does not direct or moderate the research conducted by its faculty and students. This academic freedom also applied to Dr. Das.
Ashoka’s commitment to excellence in both research and teaching is at the core of the recognition it has achieved in less than a decade, and will continue to be its guide in the journey towards becoming India’s finest university.
