On last day, FTII chief Gajendra Chauhan tells students to shun politics
PUNE: Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) chairman Gajendra Chauhan’s tenure at may end on Friday, if he is not given an extension by the government. Chauhan’s appointment — one of the most contentious in FTII’s history — has been a mixed bag for the institute, which witnessed a 139-day long strike by students.
Though the tenure of an FTII chairman is usually three years, Chauhan — a television-actor-turned-BJP-member — got a short tenure of one year, seven months. The institute underwent many changes during this period; some of which were controversial, while others were praised by the film industry.
“I am happy with my tenure, under which I managed to carry out many good things, including converting diploma courses into masters’ degrees, introducing a new syllabus, making FTII open to all and bringing discipline to the campus,” Chauhan told HT.
“I have done my best and I am happy,” said Chauhan, speaking about whether he expects an extension. He added that he now wants to move on with his life.
On students who opposed his appointment, Chauhan said, “I have always supported the students, even if they opposed me. It wasn’t their fault. My only brotherly advice to students is to be disciplined, keep up the hard work and stay away from politics.”
THOUGH THE TENURE OF AN FTII CHAIRMAN IS THREE YEARS, CHAUHAN GOT A SHORTER TERM OF ONE YEAR, 7 MONTHS