KOZHIKODE: A major controversy has erupted at the National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NIT-Calicut), following the appointment of Dr. Shaija Andavan as the Dean of Planning and Development. The decision has sparked widespread protests, particularly from various student organizations, due to her previous comments praising Nathuram Godse, who infamously assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.
Dr. Andavan, who is not currently serving as the head of any department, triggered unrest last year after making controversial statements on social media valorizing Godse. These comments were made on Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom day, January 30, 2024, where she expressed pride over Godse’s actions, claiming they had "saved India." Following her remarks, she was arrested by police under IPC Section 153, which addresses incitement to riot, but was granted bail soon after.
The local District Congress Committee has vocally opposed the decision to promote Andavan, with DCC president K. Praveen Kumar condemning the move as inappropriate for someone who has made disparaging comments about Gandhi.
"A Professor in Kerala who publicly says she is proud of Godse for saving India is made a Dean in NIT-Calicut by the Modi government," criticized Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on X. He added, "This is part of the Modi mindset - Appropriate Gandhi, Glorify Godse. It sends the wrong message and undermines Gandhi’s legacy."
On the appointment’s effective date of March 7, 2024, Shaija is directed to assist the current Dean, Dr. Priya Chandran, until the transition is complete. This decision has not only drawn criticism from political leaders but has also galvanized student groups like the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Student Federation of India (SFI), who have expressed their intent to protest against her promotion.
The DYFI announced protest marches to NIT-Calicut as part of their efforts to oppose Shaija's appointment. Pawan Khera, chair of the AICC media and publicity department, condemned the appointment, stating, "Abuse Gandhi, Get Rewarded: The BJP's New Qualification Criteria for Top Postings?"
The unrest surrounding Shaija’s promotion raises questions about the ideological influences within India's educational institutions. Several Congress leaders echoed concerns over the perceived endorsement of controversial ideologies by the ruling government. K.C. Venugopal, Congress Lok Sabha MP, tweeted, "Time and time again, the BJP shows its true colors. This decision is clear endorsement of her anti-Gandhi views, promoting Godse's hate-filled agenda. Our public discourse must reflect respect and reverence for leaders like Gandhi, not glorify those who harmed him."
This situation has drawn national attention, igniting debates about the appropriateness of appointments and the ideological biases corresponding with them. Following the uproar, the appointments board at NIT-Calicut now faces scrutiny on how it aligns its educational goals with the broader societal values espoused by Gandhi.
The background of the NIT itself, with its significant academic standing and influence, makes this controversy particularly pronounced. Bringing someone who has openly praised Godse to such a senior position has the potential to reshape discussions within the campus community, challenging students and faculty alike to confront these provocative ideas.
While the university administration seeks to facilitate Shaija's transition, the rising protests indicate strong pushback from student organizations and political parties alike. The appointment is viewed not just as an administrative choice, but as reflective of larger ideological shifts within India's current political narrative.
Moving forward, the discussions surrounding Shaija Andavan’s promotion will likely continue, extending beyond the university to encompass broader societal conversations about values, history, and the responsibility of educational institutions to uphold them.