Dismissed Newman College lecturer T J Joseph, whose hand was hacked allegedly by activists of radical outfit Popular Front of India, has said that the college management's action of sacking him was very unfortunate and unexepcted.
'The dismissal from college is the maxium punishment under the university's laws. They could have awarded a compulsory retirement order, so that I could have received the retirement benefits for my 25 years of service' Joseph told a malayalam television channel during a programme.
Professor T J Joseph, was suspended from service for preparing a question paper that hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. Joseph said that action was unexpected. 'I was preparing myself to return to college among studets. Many of the priest and nuns who came to see me, also indicated that action will not be so harsh', Joseph, who was recovering from double blow of injury and loss of job said. "The management gave me the maxium punishment under the university's laws", he said.
I do not mind doing some farming to earn a living but in the present circumstances, I do not think that it will be possible'. Now there is no othe way, other than seeking others' help, Joseph said.
Referring to the controversy his question paper created, Joseph said 'I do not think any of my students including 4 muslim students for whom the question paper was prepared, were behind row'.
"Generally it was felt that teaching was a 'accident free profession', but 'i had an accident' he said. Asked about the approach of the Church to the university management's decision, Joseph said a few priests who came to see him told that he should seek legal remedy to get back his job.'Some priests even offered the legal fee to conduct the case', he said.
On his attack, Joseph said the incident should result in strengthen securalism instead creating divide among religions in the state.'I will be extremely happy if this kind of incidents did not occur in the state in future, he said.
Asked what would be his reaction if he met any of his attackers, Joseph said he had never felt any animosity towards them. 'Some institutions brain-wash youngsters. Perhaps now they think what they have done is correct But later, they will realise the mistake', Joseph added.
