Chennai, May 8, 2025: A professor at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has been suspended following a wave of backlash over her WhatsApp status updates criticizing India's military operation, known as Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist hideouts across the Line of Control in Pakistan.
The faculty member, identified as Lora S., serves as an Assistant Professor in the Directorate of Career Centre at SRMIST's Kattankulathur campus. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, she posted a series of messages on WhatsApp condemning the military campaign, which has been framed by the Indian government as a necessary action against terrorism.
In one of her posts, Lora accused the Indian government of using military action for political gain. She stated, "India killed a CHILD in Pakistan and wounded two people in the early Wednesday strikes... It's a cowardice act." This particular message, which drew considerable attention, highlighted her concerns over civilian casualties resulting from the operation.
Additionally, Lora expressed worries about the future of India, predicting economic hardships, potential lockdowns, inflation, food shortages, and loss of lives over the next decade. Her posts, initially visible only to her WhatsApp contacts, went viral when BJP functionary Bala shared screenshots on social media, tagging SRMIST and questioning whether the institution endorsed her views.
The response to Lora's comments was swift and fierce. Following the public outcry, SRMIST announced her suspension, citing her actions as “unethical activities.” Registrar S. Ponnusamy confirmed that an internal inquiry would be conducted to further investigate the matter.
In light of the controversy, BJP state secretary S.G. Suryah praised the university's prompt action but called for stricter measures. He stated on social media, "Any institution that appoints her should be publicly condemned for harbouring anti-India views." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among some political factions regarding the responsibilities of educators in times of heightened national security.
The incident has ignited a debate on the balance between academic freedom and responsible conduct, particularly in the context of sensitive national issues. Critics argue that educators should be able to express their opinions freely, while others contend that public figures, especially those in academia, have a duty to consider the potential implications of their statements.
While Lora has not made any public comments following her suspension, the institution has yet to clarify whether further disciplinary actions will follow the inquiry. The situation has raised questions about the limits of free speech on social media platforms and the responsibilities of individuals when addressing national matters.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how SRMIST will navigate the complexities of this situation and what implications it may have for academic discourse in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the fine line educators must walk when engaging with political issues, especially in a climate where public sentiment can shift rapidly.
In summary, the suspension of Professor Lora S. has sparked a significant conversation about the intersection of academic freedom, social media conduct, and the responsibilities of educators during politically charged times. As the inquiry progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how this incident influences the dialogue surrounding these important issues.
