The mood in the IIMA campus is upbeat. And it’s two paragraphs from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Republic Day speech that has boosted the spirits of those in the institute, which was under attack from HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi in the last few months.The President, in his speech, said, ‘‘The nation’s vision of a developed India requires greater thrust to scientific and technological advancements. All our IITs and IIMs have graduated as world-class brand institutions in addition to the century-old premier institution, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. These characteristics must be preserved and nurtured.’’While director Bakul Dholakia was not available, IIMA authorities said: ‘‘We feel our stand has been strengthened by the President’s speech which has put us in a better light.’’Several IIMA faculty members said they were happy that ‘‘somebody in authority is thinking like us’’. Joshi had, at times, termed IIMs and IITs as ‘‘elitist and pro-rich institutes’’ and wanted IIMs to reduce fees and admit more students.After the leakage of the CAT paper in November, IIMA was forced to hold discussions with the HRD Ministry, even as they were trying to ensure a smooth retest on February 15. Those in the ministry were reported to have said the IIM was not efficient enough to hold the test. Kalam also mentioned the paper leak.Kalam said, ‘‘Often, we have witnessed that many important examinations have been the target of a group of corrupt individuals who undermine the fabric of secrecy and transparency of the conduct of these examinations. While we should deal with such individuals sternly to protect the image of our national selection system and quality, we should also find a technological solution that can ensure a tamperproof examination system.’’Coming after manoeuvres by the HRD Ministry to gain a say in the CAT exam, his speech, which called for quality exams and technological solution to stem leaks, has come as a shot in the arm for the IIMA.
