The Hindu : New Delhi News : Centre will not interfere in M.S. University affairs: Arjun

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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Centre will not interfere in M.S. University affairs: Arjun

Staff Reporter

`What has happened wasn't an unheard of occurrence in Gujarat'

NEW RELEASE: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh with CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury releasing the book "The Al Jazeera Decade" in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

NEW DELHI: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Tuesday said the M.S. University of Baroda in Vadodara had failed to provide a wholesome atmosphere to its students, adding that "what had happened wasn't an unheard of occurrence in Gujarat."

Replying to questions on the sidelines of a book launch function here, Mr. Singh said:

"It is a State university and we would not like to interfere in the freedom of expression which is a universal right." Asked what steps would be taken in the wake of suspension of the college Dean, Mr. Singh said:

"The University Grants Commission has sought a report on the matter and we will see what needs to be done when something comes up."

The HRD Minister, who along with CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury was present at the launch of the book "The Al Jazeera Decade", said:

"Al-Jazeera in the last decade has become a major vehicle for understanding and interacting with the realities of the Arab world. No other media channel has triggered so much of debate and excited researchers' scrutiny as this channel has done in the last decade.''

Mr. Singh added that the most important constituent of the spirit of the channel was its commitment to journalistic integrity, the core values of journalism and its long established traditions.

"It ensures that equal opportunity of expression is given to all opposing views and parties. The channel contributes to the building of a conscious, free and responsible public opinion."

Also present at the launch were Deputy Managing Director of Al-Jazeera (English) Ibrahim Helal who said: "Our definition of news is a bit different; for us it is about something that someone somewhere does not want the world to know. Our news is not about propaganda. We believe that journalism is not about the opportunity to shine but to give voice to the voiceless."

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