Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 8

Mistakes identified by a former professor of history in a book of Punjabi University on Maharana Pratap have raised eyebrows on the campus. Though the Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr BS Sandhu, said the university had decided to publish another book containing segments which were pointed out as missing by the former professor, other professors have raised a red flag over the book. The university’s committee formulated on the matter is yet to submit its report, they said.

Dr Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Professor of Department of English and professor in charge of University Publication Bureau, said there were numerous mistakes in the book, as such the university could withdraw it. “We will most likely withdraw the book. As per the complaint raised with the university, there are more than 600-700 mistakes while the foreword from the Chancellor’s office has also not been cleared from the office.”

He said: “The seminars held at the university were in relation to Mahrana Pratap’s relations with the Sikhs. But this book has become about the life of the king. Also, there are serious contentions against the use of the word ‘chivalry’ in the title.”

Officials on the campus said the university had formed a team comprising three members. “The team has not yet taken a decision on the matter. The printing of the book has already led to investment of public funds. Those responsible for the mistakes should not be let off scot-free by publishing a separate book,” they said.

The Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr BS Sandhu, today said: “The committee’s report is yet to be submitted. The final decision to be taken by the university will be shared after.”