it might be of some relevance to the community of Indologists that among the prominent signatories of the Pollock removal petition Prof. V. Kutumba Sastry ranks fifth on top of the list:

 

https://www.change.org/p/mr-n-r-narayana-murthy-and-mr-rohan-narayan-murty-removal-of-prof-sheldon-pollock-as-mentor-and-chief-editor-of-murty-classical-library

 

That Prof. Kutumba Sastry signed this petition in his capacity of the „President, International Association of Sanskrit Studies” (IASS), has meanwhile attracted the attention of also the media, who specifically single out his name and function:

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/murty-library-editor-petition-wants-us-scholar-removed-cites-jnu-remarks/

http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/03/01/sheldon-pollock-murty-lib_n_9345928.html

 

In terms of Indological research, it is perhaps of no little significance that the President of the IASS - a leading organization carrying “International” as part of their name and arranging the "World Sanskrit Conference" on a regular basis - publicly supports the text of the debated petition in full and demands, among others, “Make in India” ethics and “Swadeshi Indology” in contexts of research and academic publications guidelines. Trying to be “international” and “swadeshi” at the same time clearly equals a contradiction in terms.

 

The IASS ought to state their position in this matter by clarifying if, in promoting nationalist ideas of Indological research, their president is acting on their behalf:

http://www.sanskritassociation.org/board-members.php

 

Thanks and regards,

WS

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