The governing board of Kalakshetra Foundation has “unanimously” expressed its desire to have Leela Samson back as its director.
Two resolutions were passed to this effect at the meeting of the board held here on Friday, according to a statement issued by its chairman Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
The first resolution said: “The Board notes with regret Ms. Leela Samson's resignation from the office of Director, Kalakshetra Foundation. Recognising and appreciating her visionary leadership of this iconic institution over the last seven years as Director, the Board unanimously expresses its desire to have her back as Director.”
The second read: “While considering the recruitment rules for the post of Director, Kalakshetra Foundation, the Board is of the view that the recruitment rules should be such as to enable consideration of persons of high eminence for the position. The Board resolves to recommend to the Ministry of Culture that it consider modifying the rules to enable the appointment of persons of eminence, ability, standing and experience in the fields of classical or traditional art forms of culture, viz. dance, music, theatre, literature, etc. and modify the stipulation with regards to age suitably.”
The meeting, which began at 10.15 a.m., went on well past lunch time, till about 3 p.m., it has been reliably learnt.
It was convened at the insistence of some members and was well-attended, with over 10 members being present.
‘Avoidable episode'
Each presented his or her views on how Ms. Samson's resignation was dealt with, with some voicing their disappointment. A few were of the opinion that the episode could have been avoided had it been handled differently.
Members who wanted Ms. Samson to be reinstated were happy with the outcome of Friday's meeting, sources told The Hindu .
On whether the Board would write to the Culture Ministry now, Mr. Gandhi said: “The resolutions passed at the meeting are now in public domain. It will go to the Ministry as well.”
