Mumbai varsity drops Rohinton Mistry book after Shiv Sena student wing protest

The University of Mumbai has dropped the Booker-nominated novel by Rohinton Mistry Such a Long Journey from the BA syllabus following objections by Shiv Sena students' wing which alleged that it 'poorly represented' the saffron party.

The university decided to drop the novel, which was part of the Bachelor of Arts (English) second year syllabus since 2007, last week, vice-chancellor Rajan Welukar said today.

The university has sent a circular on the issue to colleges affiliated to it.

Meanwhile, college teachers said despite having the question papers prepared for the second year BA English, colleges had to postpone the exam after receiving the circular.

"This objectionable novel uses extremely obscene and vulgar language in its text and also makes anti-Sena remarks," said Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena chief, Abhijit Panse.

"The vice chancellor understood our point and was very supportive. He immediately convened a meeting with his senior staff and later informed us that the book had been taken out of the curriculum," he said.