The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Hyderabad has been in the spotlight recently after an assistant professor from the School of Gender and Livelihood received a memorandum for supporting the Progressive Students Forum (PSF) and expressing concerns over the termination of teachers from TISS. Arjun Sengupta, who has been working at TISS since June 2017, spoke at a protest gathering on October 4 alongside the Progressive Students Organisation (PSO) and Ambedkar Students Association (ASA) at TISS Hyderabad.
During his address, Sengupta highlighted various issues faced by the student community, including the mass termination of 119 teaching and non-teaching staff across TISS campuses. He also showed solidarity with Ramadas KS, a Dalit PhD scholar and Students Federation of India (SFI) activist who was suspended for raising students’ issues.
In response to Sengupta’s speech gaining traction on social media, the TISS administration issued a memo to him on October 8. The memo raised concerns that Sengupta’s actions could be viewed as contemptuous of court authority since the matter related to Ramadas KS is sub judice before the Bombay High Court. It also stated that participating in political or public activities without informing the director is against employment rules at TISS.
Sengupta has been given seven days to respond to the memorandum, with potential termination as a consequence of non-compliance. The TISS Teachers Association (TISSTA) has expressed concern over the administration’s actions, suggesting that it may stifle academic freedom and integrity.
In his response to the TISS memo, Sengupta clarified that the gathering he spoke at was peaceful and aimed to address concerns about the academic functioning at TISS. He emphasized that his intention was not to encourage any specific student organizations but to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the student body.
The TISS official confirmed that they have received Sengupta’s response and that further decisions will be made by the institute’s committee after due process.
This incident at TISS Hyderabad highlights the importance of academic freedom and the need for constructive dialogue among different stakeholders to ensure a supportive and inclusive academic environment. It also brings to light the challenges faced by both students and faculty in the current educational landscape. As discussions continue, it is crucial to uphold the principles of natural justice and respect the diversity of opinions within academic institutions like TISS.
