The appointment of Dr. A Shaija, a professor at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut, as the Dean of Planning and Development has ignited significant controversy due to her past remarks praising Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. This decision has drawn sharp rebukes from political parties, especially the Congress, which claims it undermines the legacy of Gandhi and reflects the agenda of the current government.
Dr. Shaija, who is currently employed within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the institute, made headlines last year when, on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, she commented on social media: “Proud of Godse for saving India.” This statement was made as a response to a post by advocate Krishna Raj, identifying Godse as “a hero of many people in Bharat.” Following public backlash, she deleted the comment, but not before it was widely circulated, leading to complaints lodged against her.
Consequently, the Kozhikode City police registered a case against her under Indian Penal Code Section 153, which pertains to wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot. Various organizations, including the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Congress party, rallied against Dr. Shaija, calling for her dismissal from the institute.
Initially, she was questioned by the police and later released on bail, with the legal case still pending. Dr. Shaija clarified her controversial remark, stating, “My comment was not to appreciate the killing of Gandhiji... Godse was also a freedom fighter. There is a lot of information and revelations... Against this backdrop, I had commented on the advocate's Facebook post.” Nevertheless, her justification failed to quell the outrage.
Now, with her appointment as dean set for March 7, opposition parties have ramped up their rhetoric. Praveen Kumar, president of the Congress's Kozhikode district committee, stated, “This shows the RSS agenda is being implemented at the institutes under the central government. A professor who insulted Gandhiji is being promoted, and we will launch an agitation until her appointment is withdrawn.” The Congress party plans to mobilize protests at the NIT campus over the coming days.
The Left front has also weighed in, with accusations labeling NIT Calicut as a site for communalization aligning with the ruling government’s education policies. Such sentiments are echoed within the student organizations, whose leaders have condemned the appointment as unacceptable.
Following her earlier comments, the NIT Calicut administration had stated their commitment to investigating the matter, forming a panel to review the circumstances surrounding Dr. Shaija’s remarks. They assured the public of taking appropriate action based on the panel's findings, stressing the institution's dedication to values upheld by Mahatma Gandhi. Despite these statements, the college now faces accusations of neglecting these principles through her current promotion.
The decision has raised allegations of violations of seniority norms during her selection process. Despite these claims, Dr. Shaija defended her eligibility, pointing out her role as chair of the multidisciplinary center at the institute for the last four years. She emphasized her standing within the establishment, asserting, “My position is equivalent to the head of a department.”
This controversy highlights the broader debates surrounding honor and morality within educational institutions, particularly postures adopted by faculty members. Critics argue academic values should align with the fundamental tenets of Indian democracy, which unequivocally reject violence and promote peace.
Political ramifications extend beyond just educational circles. With the appointment viewed as emblematic of ideological alignments, many are concerned the NIT, and similar institutions, could become battlegrounds for political activism and ideological extremism. Leaders, particularly from opposition factions, have signaled their intent to keep the pressure on the administration to reconsider the decision.
What remains to be seen is the outcome of these political actions. With protests slated to begin next month, tensions are likely to escalate as various groups converge on the NIT campus, demanding transparency and accountability from the institution itself.
Dr. Shaija, on her part, has refrained from making statements since the uproar over her appointment, indicating she does not wish to comment on the latest developments. This silence might speak volumes as the college community and the public grapple with the interpretations of freedom of expression versus the responsibilities held by educators.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Shaija’s appointment serves as a reminder of the current socio-political climate within the country, where educational spaces are becoming increasingly politicized, and the legacy of figures like Gandhi continues to invoke deep sentiment and division. Educational institutions might need to navigate carefully as they forge forward, balancing academic freedom with the ethical and moral standards expected by both society and their students.