Gajendra Chauhan speaking to media outside RSS HQ in Nagpur
Nagpur: The Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Gajendra Chauhan paid a surprise visit to RSS Headquarters in city on Thursday and met Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. This is for the first time Chauhan met the RSS chief after his posting to the premier institute. The appointment of Gajendra Chauhan was embroiled in a major controversy and had sparked widespread protests among FTII students and cross section of personalities. The opponents had termed Chauhan’s appointment as FTII chief at RSS behest.
The arrival of the FTII Chairman at RSS Headquarters was kept a well-guarded secret but the media got the whiff of the visit and a horde of scribes stormed the place. According to information, Chauhan is scheduled to visit Chhindwara in MP for an already decided programme but reportedly sought time from RSS chief for a meeting.
Talking to waiting media after coming out from RSS Headquarters, Chauhan said, “The RSS has no role in his appointment as FTII chief. Mohan Bhagwat ji is like a father figure for me and had come to invite him for my son’s wedding. Nothing more should be read on the meeting,” Chauhan said on the half an hour discussions with the RSS chief.
Chauhan further said that the FTII will have 3-year semester course. During this period the students will have permission to stay in the hostels. An extension of one year will be granted later but the students will have stay outside the hostels because the fees are charged only for three years. This decision will come into force after the stamp of approval from Governing Council, Chauhan stated.
