In the land that once celebrated diversity of thought and cherished the pursuit of knowledge, a chilling trend has emerged – the suppression of academic freedom. Recent incidents involving Prof. Syabasch Das and educator Karan Sangwan have cast a dark shadow over the realm of education, raising concerns about the state of intellectual independence in India.
The tale of Prof. Syabasch Das, an esteemed Assistant Professor at Ashoka University, serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat to academic freedom. His daring research paper delving into allegations of manipulation and fraud surrounding the 2019 general elections sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. The paper, aimed at unearthing truth and fostering healthy debate, instead led to Prof. Das’ forced resignation, shedding light on the vulnerability of scholars who dare to scrutinize those in power.
Equally disconcerting is the story of Karan Sangwan, a dedicated educator ousted from Unacademy for the simple act of encouraging his students to elect educated leaders. In a democracy that hinges on informed decisions, Sangwan’s dismissal sends a chilling message that advocating for thoughtful leadership is tantamount to treading on precarious ground.
Universities and the internet are important elements of the modern day public sphere – spaces that are meant for debate and discussion and serves as a meeting point for sharing of ideas between different groups/ classes in society. Though the university and the platform of tutorial are privately owned and have dissociated their respective organisations from these individuals, this incident highlights the censorship and high handedness of the both the state and the private ‘owners’ of these spaces; and also the private-state nexus that operates within these spaces. While Prof. Sabyasachi Das’ paper was self published, Ruhan Shah notes that Ashoka University has a track record of stifling academic freedom that led to resignation of several professors and the last VC Bhanu Pratap Mehta. Shah argues that the university claims to uphold academic freedom but limits its space to the classroom, anything that goes beyond the classroom is immediately deemed as an attack on the name/ reputation of the university. On the other end, Karan uploaded a video on his personal channel/ self published his content analysing the recent bills tabled in the parliament and was sacked from unacademy – where he was an educator. The employer issued a statement that ‘classroom’ is not a space for opinions and that the educator has broken the code of conduct by bringing in his opinion, which for unacademy is detrimental to quality education.
These incidents are not isolated occurrences, but symptomatic of a larger malaise eroding the bedrock of academic freedom. Intellectual autonomy, a cornerstone of any progressive society, is threatened by a stifling atmosphere where daring ideas are met with censorship, and the courage to question is met with retribution. The sanctity of higher education institutions, once bastions of free thought, now faces encroachment by external forces seeking to curtail the very essence of critical thinking.
The erosion of academic freedom carries profound consequences for the nation’s progress. It stifles innovation, suppresses dissent, and undermines the pursuit of truth. In an era where India aspires to be a global powerhouse of knowledge and innovation, this trend jeopardizes its potential to excel on the international stage. The brightest minds, unwilling to compromise their ideals, may seek refuge elsewhere, draining the nation of its intellectual capital.
It is imperative that civil society, educational institutions, and policymakers rally together to stem this tide. Safeguarding academic freedom is not merely a matter of principle, but a safeguard against intellectual stagnation and regression. The vibrancy of a democracy hinges on the freedom of its thinkers to challenge norms, question authority, and contribute to the collective knowledge.
In conclusion, the stories of Prof. Syabasch Das and Karan Sangwan serve as poignant reminders of the gathering storm that threatens academic freedom in India. As a nation that values its democratic principles and cultural diversity, India must prioritize the protection of its intellectual landscape. Only through an unwavering commitment to upholding academic freedom can the nation continue its journey towards enlightenment, progress, and prosperity.
