A viral video circulating online has ignited a firestorm of debate and prompted an official investigation at a West Bengal university. The footage purportedly shows a professor and a student engaging in wedding-like rituals within a classroom, raising serious questions about professional conduct and the boundaries of academic instruction.
The incident reportedly took place at the Psychology Department of Haringhata Technology College, which operates under the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT). The video depicts Professor Payal Banerjee, dressed in bridal attire, and a male student participating in traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies, including the exchange of garlands and the application of sindoor (vermilion) on the student’s forehead.
The video’s emergence has sent shockwaves through the academic community and beyond, with many expressing concerns about the appropriateness of the professor’s actions. Critics argue that the classroom should be a space for learning and academic discourse, not theatrical performances that blur the lines between education and entertainment.
In response to the growing outcry, the university administration has launched a three-member inquiry panel to investigate the matter. Professor Banerjee has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, and the student involved has also been asked to stay away from classes.
Professor Banerjee, however, maintains that the “wedding” was not a genuine ceremony but rather a “psychological drama” intended for internal academic purposes. She claims that the video was leaked with malicious intent to tarnish her reputation and that of the department.
“This was a psycho-drama demonstration for my students, a common teaching technique in psychology,” Professor Banerjee stated in her defense. “It was not a real wedding, and there was no intention of disrespecting any sentiments or traditions.”
Despite her explanation, the university administration has deemed it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts and determine whether any professional boundaries were crossed. The inquiry panel will examine the video footage, interview those involved, and review the professor’s teaching methods to assess the situation impartially.
The incident has reignited discussions about the role of educators and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in academic settings. While some argue that Professor Banerjee’s actions were harmless and intended for educational purposes, others contend that they were inappropriate and could potentially create a hostile or uncomfortable environment for students.
The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide clarity on whether Professor Banerjee’s conduct violated any ethical or professional standards. The outcome of the inquiry will not only determine the fate of the professor but also serve as a precedent for future cases involving similar allegations.
As the investigation progresses, the academic community and the public await the findings with bated breath. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that educators bear in shaping young minds and the need for clear guidelines to ensure that classrooms remain spaces of learning, respect, and professionalism.
