Row over appointment of Godse fan as NIT dean
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The National Institute of Technology Calicut has appointed Professor Shaija Andavan as the Dean of Planning and Development, a decision that has ignited controversy due to her previous social media comment lauding Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi. Critics argue that her promotion disregards established seniority norms and reflects an ideological bias in academic appointments.
Professor Andavan, a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, faced widespread criticism in January 2024, after posting a comment on Facebook stating, "Proud of Godse for saving India," under a post that celebrated Godse as a hero. The comment led to multiple complaints from student organizations, including the Students Federation of India, the Democratic Youth Federation of India , the Youth Congress, and the Muslim Students Federation.
Subsequently, the Kunnamangalam police charged her under Section 153 of the Indian Penal Code for provocation with intent to incite violence. She was questioned by authorities and later secured bail from the Kunnamangalam court on 20 February 2024.
In response to the incident, NIT-C constituted a panel to investigate Professor Andavan's comment. The institute issued an official statement on 10 February 2024, asserting that it does not endorse any remarks contrary to the principles upheld by Mahatma Gandhi. The statement added that appropriate action would be taken based on the panel's findings.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the NIT-C administration has now appointed Professor Andavan as the Dean of Planning and Development for a two-year term, effective from 7 March 2025. The decision has been met with strong opposition from various quarters. The Congress party has announced plans for protests demanding the withdrawal of her appointment, contending that her promotion reflects an ideological push by the central government in academic institutions. Student organizations have also expressed their dissent, alleging that established seniority norms were overlooked in the selection process.
Critics argue that Professor Andavan's elevation to a key administrative role undermines the credibility of academic institutions and sets a concerning precedent for future appointments. They contend that her past actions and the subsequent promotion reflect a broader trend of ideological influence in academic appointments under the current government.
In her defence, Professor Andavan initially stated that her comment was not intended to glorify the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. She claimed that her remark was influenced by reading Godse's book, "Why I Killed Gandhi," which she said contained information and revelations unfamiliar to the average person. She added that her comment was made in this context and was deleted when she realized it was being misinterpreted.
In response to the incident, NIT-C constituted a panel to investigate Professor Andavan's comment. The institute issued an official statement on 10 February 2024, asserting that it does not endorse any remarks contrary to the principles upheld by Mahatma Gandhi. The statement added that appropriate action would be taken based on the panel's findings.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the NIT-C administration has now appointed Professor Andavan as the Dean of Planning and Development for a two-year term, effective from 7 March 2025. The decision has been met with strong opposition from various quarters. The Congress party has announced plans for protests demanding the withdrawal of her appointment, contending that her promotion reflects an ideological push by the central government in academic institutions. Student organizations have also expressed their dissent, alleging that established seniority norms were overlooked in the selection process.
Critics argue that Professor Andavan's elevation to a key administrative role undermines the credibility of academic institutions and sets a concerning precedent for future appointments. They contend that her past actions and the subsequent promotion reflect a broader trend of ideological influence in academic appointments under the current government.
In her defence, Professor Andavan initially stated that her comment was not intended to glorify the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. She claimed that her remark was influenced by reading Godse's book, "Why I Killed Gandhi," which she said contained information and revelations unfamiliar to the average person. She added that her comment was made in this context and was deleted when she realized it was being misinterpreted.
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