The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, is facing backlash from students after it cancelled Muktiparv, a flagship event honouring Dr BR Ambedkar’s legacy, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 13.
As reported by The Indian Express, the decision, allegedly prompted by objections raised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), has stirred a debate around academic freedom and external interference on campus.
Since the beginning of April, IISER Pune has hosted a series of cultural and academic activities centred on literature and the arts. Muktiparv was to be a highlight, featuring talks by academicians such as Nazima Parveen, Deepali Salve, and Smita Patil, who specialise in issues of caste, gender, and social justice.
However, just days before the event, the administration abruptly called it off.
In an official statement, the IISER administration cited "concerns raised" and the desire to "avoid controversy" as reasons for cancelling the session involving external speakers.
“The institute remains committed to the values of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, especially as we mark his birth anniversary,” the statement added.
Event cancelled amid rising tensions
The ABVP’s Maharashtra unit publicly opposed the event, alleging on X (formerly Twitter) that the invited speakers were linked to what they termed “radical” and “anti-national” groups.
They warned that the event could disrupt social harmony and lead to law and order issues. According to their statement, previous editions of Muktiparv included remarks that "hurt public sentiments.”
Tensions on campus reportedly escalated after a Pride March organised by IISER’s Satrangi Club on April 6. By April 10, ABVP representatives had met with both the institute’s director and senior police officials, demanding the cancellation of Muktiparv, added The Indian Express report.
“Silencing dissenting voices”
The speakers and student organisers, however, refuted the allegations.
Deepali Salve, one of the invited speakers, told The Indian Express, “ABVP and its parent body, the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), have always sought to divide the country along caste and religious lines. Their objection to this event shows their discomfort with marginalised voices asserting themselves.”
“We are guaranteed the right to express ourselves by the Constitution — not by Manusmriti. Silencing such platforms is a violation of our fundamental freedoms,” she added.
The student council also raised concerns over the administration’s lack of communication.
“The event had already received the necessary approvals. Yet, organisers were not informed in advance about the cancellation. This raises serious questions about transparency and institutional autonomy,” a student said.
In a public statement, the student body warned that giving in to pressure from external political organisations could set a dangerous precedent.
