Vice Chancellor apologises for 'sexist' comments
New Delhi: Facing flak from various quarters
for his alleged sexist comments on women writers, the Vice
Chancellor of a central university today tendered an
unconditional apology.
Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antrarashtriya Hindi
Vishwa Vidyalaya, Wardha, V N Rai, who reportedly raised
question over the character of women Hindi writers, today met
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and explained his stand on the issue.
Hours later, he submitted an unconditional apology,
expressing regret over his comments.
"The sentiments of certain women writers were hurt by
some of the contents of the interview. I also feel as a Vice
Chancellor of a Central University, I should not have used
inappropriate words which hurt the feelings of the women
writers. I sincerely apologise for the same," Rai said in the
written apology.
Rai had given an interview to Hindi literary magazine
'Naya Gyanodaya', published by Bhartiya Gyanpeeth. He had
reportedly raised questions over character of women Hindi
writers and made some disparaging remarks.
Sibal reprimanded Rai for the sexist comments. He has
said that action will be taken against Rai for his comments
which are unacceptable.
"Such disparaging remarks about women writers in general
represent a mindset which is inconsistent with the dignity of
the office he occupies," the HRD Minister had said.
A group of women writers today met Sibal and demanded
disciplinary action against the VC. Those who met Sibal
include Sabita Singh, Anamika, Rekha Awasti and Anita Bharti.
The ministry will now examine the apology and decide on
the further course of action, official sources said.
-PTI