Tata Institute Suspends Dalit PhD Student, Suspended for 'Anti-National Activities'

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has suspended Ramadas Prini Sivanadan, a Dalit PhD student and scholar, for two years, accusing him of engaging in 'anti-national activities'. The institute issued a show cause notice to Ramadas, who is also a student leader, for participating in the Parliament March in Delhi in January 2024 and posting on social media encouraging students to watch the documentary 'Ram ke Naam', which TISS deemed an 'anti-national' act.

Ramadas, a former general secretary of the Progressive Students' Forum (PSF) at TISS Mumbai, received the suspension order citing his involvement in various activities that allegedly violated the institute's disciplinary rules. These activities included conducting a Bhagat Singh memorial lecture with contentious guest speakers, staging protests, and promoting the screening of 'Ram ke Naam'. The institute claims Ramadas misused the TISS name by participating in the protest under the PSF banner, which is not a recognized student body.

The PSF has condemned the suspension, calling it a "grave threat against students" and an "open warning to all students of TISS against organizing and calling out the anti-student policies of the administration". The students' association claimed that the documentary has been officially screened at TISS multiple times in the past and is publicly available, but the current administration wants to "censure voices" even in the online space. They alleged that the suspension is an attempt to "curb all dissent against the BJP government" and its policies, student, body.

Why this matters: The suspension of Ramadas Sivanadan highlights the ongoing tensions between student activists and educational institutions in India. It raises concerns about academic freedom, the right to dissent, and the labeling of certain activities as 'anti-national'. The case also reflects the broader political climate in the country and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in asserting their rights.

TISS officials stated that Ramadas violated the institution's discipline codes and several other students have also been suspended for breaking these rules. The institute stressed that the objective of these students is not to focus on academics but to spread political activities. However, the PSF maintains that Ramadas is a meritorious student who has defended student rights and worked to build joint platforms among student organizations. They view the administration's actions as a "brutal attack on the future of a promising research scholar" and an attempt to suppress the students, online, protest, anti, national voice of students.

Key Takeaways

• TISS suspends Dalit PhD student Ramadas Prini Sivanadan for 2 years for 'anti-national' activities
• Ramadas accused of participating in Delhi protest, screening 'Ram ke Naam' documentary, and other protests
• TISS claims Ramadas violated disciplinary rules, student body condemns suspension as curbing dissent
• Case highlights tensions between student activists and institutions over academic freedom and right to dissent
• Suspension reflects broader political climate and challenges faced by marginalized communities in India