In a move that has ignited widespread condemnation and sparked protests across the country, Ramadas Prini Sivanandan, a Dalit PhD scholar and leader of the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF), has been suspended and barred from entering the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) campus for a period of two years.
The suspension, enforced by TISS in Mumbai, was allegedly prompted by Ramadas' participation in the Parliament March held in New Delhi earlier this year under the banner of the United Students of India. Additionally, he faced disciplinary action for advocating the viewing of "Ram Ke Naam," an acclaimed documentary.
Ramadas, known for his unwavering advocacy for student rights and his efforts to foster collaboration among various student organizations, has garnered widespread support from the student community. The suspension has been viewed as an attempt to stifle dissent and silence voices critical of the ruling BJP-Sangh Parivar.
The decision by TISS has sparked outrage among students and activists, who view it as a targeted attack on marginalized communities and an erosion of academic freedom. Protests have erupted on campuses nationwide, with students demanding the immediate revocation of Ramadas' suspension and calling for greater accountability and transparency in academic institutions.
Leaders from various student organizations have come forward to express solidarity with Ramadas and to denounce the actions of TISS administration. They have called upon students and democratic voices across the country to unite in opposition to such injustices and to uphold the principles of democracy and equality in higher education.
As the protests continue to gain momentum, the spotlight remains on TISS and its handling of the situation, with calls for justice echoing from campuses to the corridors of power.
