When I'd interviewed Arjun Singh...

Only last september, I was mighty pleased with the fact that I was to interview Arjun Singh on behalf of my institute's newsletter, InsIghT. He was in IITB for the convocation ceremony and the PRO got us an appointment with him.

It is funny how dramatically things can change in such a short time. To me, he had come across as a well-meaning HRD minister. What else would you infer when a minister tells you that he intends to provide thrust to nanotechnology and biochem. in the institute and that the standards set by the IITs over the years must be preserved by all means?
And today he is responsible (atleast technically) for what is probably the most outrageous political move involving academics, since Indian independence.

What was a proud moment to me back then, now fills me with contempt for politicians - a feeling i always try to avoid.

Given the way the govt. has bulldozed its way thru the reservation issue, one can only wait and hope things will change...somehow.