Scholars write to PM, President over attacks on sociologists

LUCKNOW: At least 230 sociologists from educational institutes across the country have written a letter to the President and Prime Minister expressing concern over “repeated attacks on sociologists.”

In the letter, they have raised their voice in support of Prof Rajesh Mishra of Lucknow University and Prof Vivek Kumar of Jawaharlal Nehru University. Prof Misra was recently threatened by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists for sharing a newspaper article on his Facebook page.

Instead of taking action against those who threatened him, the LU administration sought an explanation from the professor.

In another incident, Prof Kumar, who was invited as a speaker to Gwalior University on February 21, was also harassed by ABVP activists.

“We are deeply disturbed by the ongoing events in the country. The Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens,” the sociologists said.

The letter further read, “We are deeply concerned about the growing attacks on students, faculty and staff of various universities by organisations, which seem to have the backing of authorities and the police. Students and fac- ulty are being abused, attacked and threatened for their ideas and positions while the attackers appear to enjoy immunity from the law.”

Sujata Patel, professor, de par t ment of sociolo g y, Hyderabad Central University said, “Academicians like us are engrossed in scientific research work therefore autonomy of the university is of paramount importance.”

Patel who is also the president of Indian Sociological Society said that sociologists must enjoy freedom to think about various aspects independently. “Such attacks on sociologists are condemnable. It is not a good sign for institutions of higher studies,” she said. The sociologists further said that they firmly believed that scholars must have the freedom to speak, write and reflect on social issues and that their voice should not be muzzled.

“Curbing scholarly freedom is against the national interest as it undermines our collective ability to analyse and understand our diverse society,” they said.

Prof Mishra said, “Not only is the freedom of speech and expression a fundamental right, but it is also the foundation for social science. Without dissent, the academic institutions will become meaningless.”