Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University Dr Sanjay Deshmukh defends his meeting with Raj Thackeray

THANE: The newly-appointed Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, who has come under criticism for calling on the MNS chief Raj Thackeray after taking over the new post, today said here that he believed in meeting "a cross-section" of the society to get feedback.

"When I took over the reins of the historical university I had decided that I will involve a cross-section of members of the society in the functioning and the growth of the university, and for this I started meeting several persons," Dr Deshmukh said, speaking at a function here.

One can not remain confined within four walls and fulfil the expectations of the society, the Vice Chancellor said, adding that it was necessary to get suggestions and observations of people from various walks of life.

He will continue with such meetings, he asserted.

Talking to PTI later, Dr Deshmukh said he had informed the Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao about his plans to meet various people and get feedback on the very first day.