Indian Professor Sparks Debate Over Caste Criticism in Prestigious University

An Indian history professor who was recently reprimanded for his critique of certain aspects of Hinduism has vowed to persist in challenging caste-based hierarchies and discrimination, reigniting controversy at Allahabad University, one of India’s most prestigious institutions.

Vikram Harijan, whose last name reflects a term historically used to describe members of India’s former “untouchable” caste in India, serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Medieval and Modern History. The university admonished him after he alleged on social media that some Hindu deities reinforce caste-based discrimination.

The professor’s remarks triggered a social media backlash, accompanied by accusations that he offended the religious sentiments of Hindus. Although Harijan issued a public apology, the controversy surrounding his comments has not subsided.

On November 14, university authorities formally cautioned Harijan against making further remarks on sensitive topics such as religion and culture. He was warned that such comments could damage the institution’s reputation and lead to severe disciplinary action.

But the professor remains undeterred. “If religion and caste promote superstition and discrimination, I will speak out against them, and I will continue to do so,” Harijan told Mooknayak, an online newspaper focused on caste and gender issues as well as “marginalized and unprivileged people in India.”

Harijan emphasized that his critique is not confined to Hinduism but applies to all religions he believes uphold caste hierarchies. “I speak against all religions that encourage discrimination, whether it is Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism,” he said, adding: “My focus is on marginalized communities who remain excluded across all religious frameworks.”

Throughout his academic career, Professor Harijan has consistently examined the intersections of caste, religion, and social justice. His scholarly work and public statements challenge traditional norms that many in India hold sacred, cementing his reputation as both an outspoken advocate for marginalized communities and a divisive figure in academic and social circles.

Following the university’s notice, Harijan’s supporters have rallied in his defense, praising his courage to confront casteism and superstition. Students and faculty at Allahabad University have commended his unwavering commitment to social justice, emphasizing the value of his work in fostering awareness about the struggles of marginalized communities and enriching the academic discourse on equity and inclusion.

The formal notice issued to Harijan, along with his defiant response, has reignited a broader conversation about freedom of expression for academics and the role of universities in shaping public discourse, Sabrang India, a newspaper committed to promoting social justice, dialogue and harmony, pointed out in a November 21 article.

The controversy highlights pressing questions about the boundaries of academic freedom, particularly when challenging deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs.

While the university faces the delicate task of balancing its institutional reputation with the rights of faculty members to voice their academic and personal perspectives, Harijan’s steadfast commitment to addressing caste discrimination, superstition, and social inequities remains unwavering, Sabrang India noted.

The professor’s actions, the newspaper added, are certain to continue sparking critical dialogue and controversy well beyond the academic sphere.

Photo credits: Main Building of Allahabad University by Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.