In a significant development in Udaipur's academic circles, the Vice-Chancellor of Mohanlal Sukhadia University has stepped down from her position following months of controversy and student protests. Governor Haribhau Bagde officially accepted the resignation of Sunita Mishra on Thursday, bringing an end to her tumultuous tenure that began just last year.
The Controversial Remarks That Sparked Outrage
The controversy erupted two months ago during a university program where Mishra made statements about historical Mughal rulers that immediately drew sharp reactions from students and faculty members. During her address, she described Aurangzeb as an efficient administrator and referred to Akbar as great, comments that sparked immediate backlash across the campus community.
The situation escalated quickly as student leaders organized multiple protests demanding her removal from the prestigious position. The tension reached its peak when angry students locked Mishra in her own chamber for six hours, trapping her until authorities could intervene and secure her release.
Investigation and Official Response
Following the incident, Mishra had been on leave while authorities investigated the matter. The Raj Bhavan issued an official letter confirming that a committee led by the divisional commissioner of Udaipur is actively investigating all complaints received against the former vice-chancellor.
According to the official communication from Raj Bhavan, further action will be determined based on the findings of this investigative committee. The probe continues even after Mishra's resignation, indicating that the matter might not be completely closed.
Timeline of Events and Aftermath
Sunita Mishra's appointment as vice-chancellor occurred on August 6, 2023, making her tenure relatively brief before the controversy unfolded. After facing sustained pressure and protests, she ultimately cited personal reasons when submitting her resignation to Raj Bhavan.
In her defense following the controversy, Mishra claimed that her statements had been presented in a distorted manner and taken out of context. However, this explanation failed to calm the agitated student community that continued to demand her removal through organized protests.
The resignation marks a significant moment for Mohanlal Sukhadia University, which now faces the task of restoring normalcy and appointing new leadership. The incident has also sparked broader conversations about historical interpretation and academic freedom in educational institutions across India.
