The irony lies in the name of the institute Dr Ami Upadhyay is associated with. A champion of equality and fairness, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, stands tall where it comes to integrity and justice. However, Dr Ami Upadhyay’s earlier recruitment as a professor and now as Chancellor at Ambedkar University, Rajkot, defies logic as much it does the sanctity reserved for the learned office.
His recent appointment as VC has refreshed the old files. In 2012, the selection committee at the varsity disqualified his contention as a Professor of English on grounds of academic marks in the subject. “At 49%, his credentials left little to doubt. However, in 2013, he was selected as a professor by the members of the selection committee, three of who were from Rajkot,” shared a peeved academic familiar with the matter.
He added that strings were pulled such that “Dr Kamal Mehta from Saurashtra University became Dr Kamlesh Mehta to cast votes in favour of Dr Upadhyay’s candidature as VC. It is an openly known fact that Mehta is Upadhyay’s mentor and PhD guide. However, the resorting to unfair means remains inexplicable,” it was stated.
The erudite circles in Rajkot also pointed out at Dr Upadhyay’s track record which boasts “fraudulent papers.” It is alleged that he presented a paper at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad on Dec 6 and again on Dec 8 in 2009. This was part of the presentation for recruitment as a professor. A certificate of acknowledgement clearly notes the date.
“But he was also present at Arts and Commerce College, Manavdar on Dec 5 and Dec 6 2009 to present a paper! How could one person be present on Dec 6 in two places? A certificate has been issued stating that he presented the paper. On basis of these two certificates, he wrested marks to become a professor,” shared another insider.
It has also been revealed that Dr Ami Upadhyay tampered with dates on the relieving letter as a teacher from Bhalodia College. This is required as proof of teaching experience. A letter from the college notes September 12, 2007 as the last working day. However, another letter from Virani Science College marks the date as September 1, 2007. In effect, there are 12 questionable days in between which pose several queries such as duration of employment at the second college, resignation from one college and immediate hiring at the other, among others.
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