Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary Conducts Political Science Lecture at A N College
In an unusual academic event, Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary transformed a routine classroom session into a high-profile teaching moment at Patna's A N College on Wednesday. The minister, who recently qualified as an assistant professor through the Bihar State University Service Commission, delivered a lecture on 'centre-state relations' to political science students.
VIP Arrival and Classroom Atmosphere
The newly appointed teacher arrived accompanied by security personnel and was formally welcomed by the vice-chancellors of Patliputra and Magadh universities. Choudhary conducted his class in a building constructed during his ministerial tenure, describing the experience as "a blessing from Lord Mahadeva" and noting the rarity of a serving minister simultaneously acting as professor.
Despite his nervousness about facing student questions after a 35-year gap since studying political science himself in 1991, Choudhary engaged the class effectively. "I was more afraid of answering questions from the students than answering questions asked by legislators in the state legislature," he confessed to reporters afterward. Eyewitnesses reported students listened attentively and appeared satisfied with his teaching approach.
Faculty Criticism and Cultural Parallels
College faculty members expressed mixed reactions to the spectacle. A senior professor criticized the "high-voltage classroom drama," arguing that entering a classroom with such fanfare undermines educational integrity. "In such conditions, students are more attracted to the minister rather than his lecture," the faculty member observed.
Another academic drew parallels to the satirical Hindi film "Peepli Live," suggesting the event resembled media-driven spectacle more than genuine academic engagement. Meanwhile, Hindi department teacher Kala Nath Mishra clarified that the vice-chancellors' presence coincided with a separate cultural program occurring simultaneously in another department.
Background and Institutional Questions
Choudhary's entry into academia follows his successful completion of the recruitment process initiated in 2020 to fill university vacancies across Bihar. At 58, his selection raises practical questions about balancing ministerial responsibilities with teaching duties. Existing regulations may require him to resign from government service or seek special permission to maintain both positions.
The minister has long expressed academic aspirations, having completed his Ph.D. in 2003 but finding no teaching vacancies at that time. "I applied for the post as soon as the vacancies were advertised in the newspaper," Choudhary explained earlier, emphasizing his enduring interest in higher education despite his political career.
This event highlights ongoing debates about VIP culture in educational institutions while demonstrating the intersection of politics and academia in contemporary Bihar.
