Calicut, Kerala – A storm of controversy has engulfed the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut following the appointment of a professor, previously accused of praising Nathuram Godse, as the Dean of the School of Management Studies. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party and sparked widespread outrage among student groups and academic circles.
The professor in question, whose identity has been widely circulated but is being withheld here due to potential legal complications, was allegedly involved in online discussions where he reportedly made statements glorifying Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi. These allegations surfaced several months ago, leading to internal inquiries and public outcry. While the specific findings of the institute’s investigation remain undisclosed, the professor’s recent promotion has reignited the controversy, prompting accusations of administrative negligence and a disregard for ethical standards.
The Congress party, leading the charge against the appointment, has condemned the move as a “brazen act of disrespect” to the nation’s founding principles. They have accused the central government, which oversees NITs, of tacitly endorsing the professor’s alleged views by allowing the appointment to proceed.
“This is a deeply disturbing development,” stated a spokesperson for the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). “How can an individual who allegedly glorifies the murderer of Mahatma Gandhi be entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the minds of young students? This appointment sends a dangerous message that the government is willing to overlook extremist ideologies in positions of authority.”
The Congress has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, calling for the immediate removal of the professor from the Dean’s position. They have also questioned the criteria used for the appointment, alleging a lack of due diligence on the part of the NIT Calicut administration.
Student organizations at NIT Calicut have also joined the chorus of dissent. Several student unions have organized protests and demonstrations, demanding the professor’s resignation and an apology from the institute. They have expressed concerns about the impact of such an appointment on the academic environment and the values instilled in students.
“We are shocked and dismayed by this decision,” said a representative of a student union. “It is unacceptable that someone who allegedly holds such controversial views is given a position of power. This undermines the very principles of secularism and tolerance that our institution is supposed to uphold.”
The controversy has also sparked a debate about the freedom of expression versus the responsibility of academic institutions to uphold ethical standards. Critics argue that while individuals have the right to express their opinions, institutions have a duty to ensure that those opinions do not promote hatred or violence. They contend that praising Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of peace and non-violence, crosses a line and cannot be justified under the guise of free speech.
NIT Calicut administration, while acknowledging the controversy, has remained largely tight-lipped about the specifics of the appointment. A brief statement issued by the institute’s public relations office stated that the appointment was made based on “merit and experience” and that the institute is committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom and intellectual diversity. However, the statement did not address the specific allegations against the professor or the concerns raised by the Congress and student groups.
The lack of transparency from the administration has fueled further speculation and criticism, with many accusing the institute of attempting to sweep the matter under the rug. Critics point to the importance of the Dean position, which involves overseeing academic programs, faculty recruitment, and student welfare, and argue that it requires an individual with impeccable ethical credentials.
The appointment comes at a time when debates about historical figures and ideologies are increasingly polarized in India. The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the actions of Nathuram Godse remain highly contentious issues, with differing interpretations and perspectives. The NIT Calicut controversy has become a flashpoint in this broader debate, highlighting the challenges faced by academic institutions in navigating complex social and political issues.
The central government, which oversees NITs, has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter. However, sources within the Ministry of Education have indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely. The government’s response will likely be crucial in determining the outcome of the controversy and its implications for academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the pressure on NIT Calicut and the central government is mounting. The appointment of the professor as Dean has not only sparked outrage but also raised fundamental questions about the values and principles that should guide academic institutions in a diverse and democratic society. The demand for a transparent investigation and accountability is growing louder, and the outcome of this controversy will have lasting implications for the future of NIT Calicut and the broader academic landscape.
