Still shocked by the news, Soorya Gayan waits for the minister of Education to give her the reasons for her dismissal from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI). The ministry sent her a letter on Wednesday to inform her that she had been dismissed as director general; however, no reason whatsoever was given.

As nothing has been said officially on the reasons of her dismissal, Soorya Gayan and the public in general have no other choice than to believe that her dismissal is actually linked with her husband’s political affiliation. “I have been turning this question over and over in my mind and this is definitely the only possible explanation. I am waiting for those who made such a decision to give me their explanations.” 

Anil Gayan was indeed the minister of Tourism under the previous government. But Soorya Gayan makes it clear : “No one could be more discreet than I was about politics. Even though I was the wife of a politician, I have never been part of or even present at a partisan political event.” 


<B>No warning signs</B>

This decision appears totally without foundation, the more so, as Soorya Gayan had been working at the MGI since 1976. After studying at the London School of Economics and the School of Oriental Studies of the London University and with such a long experience at the MGI, what could have led the government to take such a decision? Moreover, she explains that there was absolutely no sign that could have made her think she would be sacked. 

After being appointed associate professor in 1995, she was appointed as director general of the institution by a panel of interviewers in 2001 following a public invitation to apply.  &#8220;I was convinced I had been chosen for my skills and nothing else.&#8221; The most surprising aspect of this story is that Soorya Gayan doesn&#8217;t seem to hold any hard feelings against the government. &#8220;Officers of the ministry of Education who dealt with me have been more than correct in their behaviour.&#8221; 

Of course, she wants to know why such a decision was made and intends to do everything to that effect but within the confines of the law. For the moment, she is not thinking about contesting her dismissal. &#8220;The Labour Act stipulates that there are precise procedures that have to be respected in a case of dismissal. I will take action according to these procedures and I want to know what they owe me because I don&#8217;t want to lose everything&#8230;&#8221;