Patna, April 14: “Love guru” Matuknath Choudhary today found a novel way of taking his grievances to the authorities without resorting to aggressive measures.
Matuknath, accompanied by his girlfriend Julie and 50 to 60 supporters and members of Antarashtriaya Prem Pariwar, established by the professor, started a sashtang (prostation) march from Ambedkar Chowk to R Block. He was demanding early hearing of his plea against suspension from the Patna University (PU).
Professor Matuknath Choudhary, who taught Hindi at BN College, was suspended for violating the service code of conduct. He had taken along his girlfriend Julie, a JNU student, to take a class on principles of love on July 15, 2006.
Following his suspension, he appealed to the vice-chancellor against the order. The appeal reached the governor’s office in 2009.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Matuknath said: “My case is pending in the Raj Bhavan for more than one year now despite the court order to clear the matter in reasonable time. I didn’t find any other option but to launch a sashtang march till the Raj Bhavan.”
The professor first hit the headlines on national television channels on July 8, 2006, when he was arrested on charges of indecency after being caught with his girlfriend at his teachers’ quarters in Saidpur. His wife Abha Choudhary lodged a complaint against him. This episode made him popular as “love guru” among students and supporters.
Matuknath started his Sashtang march after garlanding the statue of Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and reached R Block where he was detained by the police and later released on bail.
Commenting on the style of his protest, Matuknath said: “I don’t want to take any strong measures to push my demand. The Raj Bhavan is already in news for so many controversies and I don’t want to add one more. I believe in love and prosperity and this is the reason that I have adopted the method of sashtang to protest. I believe the Raj Bhavan will listen to my appeal. I have decided to go on indefinite fast if my demand is not fulfilled soon.”
Protesting against the varsity’s suspension order, Julie said: “The university administration has nothing to do with my personal life. I have a right to life and dignity. A set of teachers cannot decide our fate and we will take legal route to get justice. The relation between me and Matukji is intact. Even though we are not married we have faith in each other. The society has accepted our love and there is no fear anymore. We have set examples for others too.”
