Dalit PhD scholar was suspended for ‘repetitive misconduct’, claims TISS amid backlash
The institution has raised objections to Ramadas’ participation in the Parliament March in Delhi in January and his social media posts.
Dalit student and PhD scholar Ramadas Prini Sivanadan was suspended for two years due to “repetitive misconduct over a period of time”, claimed the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai on Saturday.
Ramadas, who is also a student leader, had received a show cause notice from the institution’s registrar on March 7 objecting to his activism, specifically his participation in the Parliament March in Delhi in January, said the Progressive Students’ Forum in a statement on Friday.
On Saturday, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences said the backlash against Ramadas’ suspension on social media is “malicious propaganda”.
“Throughout his tenure, Ramadas KS exhibited a shift in focus towards activities unrelated to his academic pursuits, engaging in events, protests, and other activities influenced by personal political agendas,” the institute said. “Despite repeated verbal and written advisories from the TISS Administration to prioritise academic commitments, Ramadas KS failed to comply.”
The notice listed various activities by Ramadas inside as well as outside of the institute campus that are ostensibly against the code for students. It said he was given “repeated warnings”.
One of the incidents the notice mentioned pertained to Ramadas’ invitation to “controversial speakers” for an event. However, his proposal was “rightfully denied by the TISS Administration as it was not organised by the...
Read more
