The Modern Review/Volume 29/Number 5/"Unscrupulous Critics" of Calcutta University

“Unscrupulous Critics” of Calcutta University.

At a recent meeting of the Senate of the Calcutta University, Sir Asutosh Mukherjee received “a most hearty welcome” on his re-appointment to the Vice-Chancellorship. He “expressed his gratitude to the Senate for the very cordial welcome they had extended to him.” He also said among other things that “The University could not afford to wrangle with unscrupulous critics.” As we have not read all that has been written by way of criticism of the University or of Sir Asutosh, it is possible that there has been some unscrupulous criticism. But we also know that there has also been much criticism that is perfectly true and honest. Sir Asutosh has, however, never admitted that there has ever been in the press any correct, justifiable and honest criticism. What can be the reason? Is it due to obtuseness or to lack of intellectual honesty? Or may at be that Sir Asutosh is so conceited as to think that the ordinary code of ethics must be as plastic in his hands as wax or clay?

Of course, the University cannot afford to wrangle with unscrupulous critics! But it ought to be able to admit mistakes or contradict inaccurate statements. In this democratic age, that is the only way to retain or regain public respect, though that may not be the way to obtain a “very cordial welcome” from the Senators, of whom “there was a large attendance.” With regard to criticism of the University, were these persons of the same way of thinking as Sir Asutosh? We would fain hope there were a very few exceptions.