Staff Reporter / New Delhi
If a candidate for admission in PhD is to be believed his synopsis was rejected by the Arabic Department of Jamia Millia Islamia, JMI as it contained an erotic literary topic. The candidate has decided to approach court to get justice.
Sohail Akhtar, a resident of Odisha, driven by his passion for Arabic studies and a desire to expand his knowledge, successfully qualified for the interview round after passing the written test for admission in PhD conducted by Jamia.
Akhtar alleged that his candidature was rejected as his topic contained the word ‘prostitutes’.
Sohail, during Interview submitted his PhD synopsis titled “Picturization of Prostitutes in the Novels of Najeeb Mahfooz and Sadat Hasan Manto: A Comparative Study,” and tried to defend it through his arguments before the board.
During his defense of his PhD synopsis, Sohail alleges that the atmosphere became increasingly tense and uncomfortable, making it challenging for him to effectively communicate his thoughts. Upon presenting his title to the professors involved, he was immediately met with dismissal and labeling of his topic as bizarre and unethical by some of the professors.
“ The disapproval and hostility exhibited by certain professors, accompanied by disapproving faces and a dismissive attitude, conveyed a sense of bias and discrimination” says Akhtar.
Akhtar says he holds deep respect for both the Islamic faith and Arabic literature and acknowledges the significance of Islamic teachings within the broader context of Arabic literature and never intended to undermine or disregard their importance.
“ My aim was to explore the subject from different angles, beyond the purely religious or theological, to enrich understanding and contribute to a comprehensive analysis” Akhtar contended.
In addition, during the interview conducted by the panel on 18th April 2023, it was brought to Akhtar’s attention that the original documents were required for the evaluation process. Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen circumstance, he said was unable to bring the original documents with him at the time of the interview. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Mr. Akhtar immediately appealed to the panel for a few days’ grace period to retrieve the documents from his home state.
“Seizing this opportunity, I promptly traveled to my home state and retrieved the original documents. On 23rd April, I produced the original documents to concerned Professors, as instructed by the Registrar’s Office. I ensured that all the necessary documents were provided.” He said.
“I believe that the circumstances surrounding my inability to produce the original documents at the interview were beyond my control”.
I was informed that the reason for rejecting my candidature was the unavailability of necessary documents. However, I would like to emphasize that I had previously informed the department, with the permission of the registrar, that the required documents were provided. Despite providing the necessary documentation, I have been unfairly denied admission.”
Meanwhile University Registrar has said that Jamia would do whatever possible to help the PhD aspirant.