``We weren't happy to go on strike in the first place, but now that we hear that talks with the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry have been successful, we're happy we can resume our duties tomorrow,'' said Professor Aruna Pendse of Kirti College, Dadar.

Many professors still don't know how many of their demands (36 in all) have been conceded by the Centre, she said, but they have the feeling of a ``well-earned victory.''

Professor S M Paranjape, general secretary of Bombay University and College Teachers' Union (BUCTU) said nearly 4 lakh teachers in various parts of India have responded to the appeal of the All India Federation of University and College Teachers' Organisations (AIFUCTO) to call off the strike.

``At the moment, most teachers only know that some demands, such as payment of arrears sinceJanuary 1, 1996, and a minimum of three promotions for teachers, have been accepted by HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi. But it's a big triumph for us,'' Paranjape said.

As the stir had continued only for 26 days, the first-term portion could be easily completed by utilising a few days in the Diwali vacation, he added.

He said other demands that have been accepted are 100 per cent assistance to weaker states to ensure simultaneous implementation of pay scales recommended by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and better incentives for new entrants who register or admit themselves to M Phil or PhD courses. Plus, all teachers who, on January 1, 1996, completed five years in the selection grade or as readers, will get a basic salary of Rs 14,940.

University Senate member and a professor of Siddharth College, Tapati Mukhopadhyay, welcomed the end of the teachers' stir. ``At our general body meeting at Poddar College on Tuesday, we'll know for certain how many of our demands will be implemented.Presently only the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) have yet to decide on ending the strike. But now, our only worry is to finish the portion,'' she said.