Studies (English), which had recommended the book earlier, resolved that it must be withdrawn with effect from September 15. Following this incident the book entered public debate. The teachers' union wanted the Vice Chancellor to defend academic freedom, claiming that the book was selected for literary reasons. Their point of view was that the author, Rohinton Mistry, did not think poorly of Marathi-speakers, and that the passages were perspectives of a character in the book. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan (Member of Congress Party) stated that the book was "highly abusive and objectionable". Former Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University and Member of the Planning Commission of India Bhalchandra Mungekar stated: "I'm fully convinced, even giving the benefit of the doubt to the book being a piece of fiction, that some sentences are certainly objectionable...there is a difference between dissenting with the political and social philosophy of an individual or organisation, and abusing the individual by name". Faculty have complained of pressure tactics being used to coerce their support of the vice chancellor's decision. The book is unlikely to be reintroduced in the short term on account of possibility of law and order problems.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Mistry-s-book-unlikely-in-univ-syllabus-again/697439|title=Mistrys book unlikely in syllabus again|date=October 14, 2010|accessdate=October 21, 2010}}</ref> Mistry has also expressed disappointment in a statement regarding the withdrawal. Characters Noble family Gustad Noble Gustad is an ethnically Parsi, placid and very religious person in his 50s, and works at a bank. He recites kusti prayers every morning. He has three children, two sons and a daughter. Gustad is also a loving and indulging father, and is eager for his eldest son to become accomplished when he grows up. Dilnavaz Noble Sohrab Noble Darius Noble Roshan Noble Gustad's close friends Major Jimmy "Billiboy" Billimoria Dinshawji Malcom Saldanha Khodadad Building residents Miss Kutpitia Tehmul "Lungraa" Mr. Rabadi (the "Dogwalla idiot") Inspector Bamji Mrs. Pastakia Mr. Pastakia (depressed father-in-law of Mrs. Pastakia) Other characters Ghulam Mohammed (Major Billimoria's accomplice) Dr. Paymaster Sidewalk Artist (paints the black wall) Laurie Coutino (secretary of Parsi Bank, teased by Dinshawji as "Lorrie", Parsi slang for penis) Mr. Madon (Manager of Parsi Bank) Peerbhoy Paanwalla Alamai "Domestic Vulture" (Dinshawji's wife, and later widow) Nusli (Dinshawji's nephew and adopted son) – Indira Gandhi (prime minister) Release detailsSuch a Long Journey, Toronto: McClelland and Stewart (1991) Such a Long Journey, London: Faber (1991) Such a Long Journey, New York: Knopf (1991) Such a