IIT Bombay Faces Backlash for Delaying Gender Justice Panel Discussion
The postponement of a gender justice panel at IIT Bombay has sparked student outrage over academic freedom and campus democracy.
IIT Bombay, Gender Justice, Bhanwari Devi, Student Protests, India
Mumbai: IIT Bombay is in hot water after it postponed a panel discussion on gender justice that was supposed to happen on January 4. The student group, Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), is not happy about it, calling the move a threat to academic freedom and campus democracy.
The school said the event is just postponed, not canceled, but they haven’t given a reason for the delay or a new date. When asked, the director, Dr. Shireesh Kedare, confirmed it was postponed but didn’t explain why. He promised they’d announce a new date soon.
APPSC-IIT Bombay released a statement saying, “Who is afraid of gender justice? This is an attack on academic freedom.” They were really looking forward to the discussion, which was meant to address gender injustice with speakers like Bhanwari Devi, who has been a key figure in fighting for women’s rights.
The panel was supposed to highlight the struggles women have faced, especially in the context of workplace harassment. Bhanwari Devi’s efforts in the 90s led to important guidelines against sexual harassment at work. The discussion was seen as a way to keep the conversation going about women’s rights, especially with the challenges they face today.
APPSC pointed out that the event followed all the necessary guidelines and that its sudden postponement is worrying. They emphasized the importance of discussing caste and gender equity on campus.
They ended their statement with powerful chants for gender justice and against patriarchal norms. On social media, they expressed their disappointment, saying they strongly condemn the decision to postpone the panel discussion.
Some users on social media shared their thoughts too. One user criticized the administration for not inspiring change, while another pointed out the typical patriarchal attitudes in management. It seems like this issue has really struck a chord with many people.