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IIT Mandi opens probe into Gita poster
The Hindu··6 Sept
IIT Mandi has ordered an inquiry into a Bhagavad Gita-themed poster that said Shudras should "serve higher classes". Director Laxmidhar Behera said the poster appeared during Janmashtami celebrations on September 4. He told PTI it was a student-led event and that the institute did not endorse it. A faculty committee including SC and OBC representatives will examine the matter.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Campus residents who saw the poster can give statements to the enquiry committee.
- IIT Mandi says the display was not an official endorsement of the text.
- Student organisers may face action after the faculty panel reports.
What's Happening
- Behera emailed the campus on September 6 condemning caste-based discrimination.
- The poster stood outside the auditorium under a Bhagavad Gita heading.
- Behera said he learned of the dispute on September 6 after returning to campus.
What The Poster Said
- The poster listed Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras with assigned roles.
- Shudras were described as meant to serve higher classes, The Hindu reported.
- Behera teaches a Gita course and is linked to a proposed Bhaktivedanta University.
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