Bengaluru professor calls student ‘terrorist’ 13 times after disagreement, booked

Manipal Campus Incident Sparks Outrage Professor Booked Amidst Student Solidarity Omni 360 News Key Takeaways

The esteemed Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), a vital part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and a hub for diverse academic pursuits, faced an unprecedented challenge to its reputation and core values in late November 2022. An incident involving an associate professor and a student within a classroom setting escalated rapidly, drawing national attention and igniting a crucial dialogue about professional conduct, freedom of expression, and the sanctity of educational environments. This event, meticulously covered by Omni 360 News and various leading regional media outlets, highlighted the imperative for institutions to foster inclusive spaces where dignity and respect are paramount.

The unsettling sequence of events unfolded on November 25, 2022, within a classroom at MIT. During an ongoing lecture, an exchange between Professor Shankar Narayan and a student reportedly took an alarming turn. As detailed in reports from the Hindustan Times, Deccan Herald, and The News Minute, the professor allegedly addressed the student using deeply offensive and communally charged language, specifically calling him a “terrorist” multiple times – up to 13 times according to the student’s account. This wasn’t merely a casual disagreement; it was a verbal assault that carried profound and dangerous implications.

What transpired next became a defining moment of the incident. The student, whose identity remained protected by media but whose voice resonated across the internet, displayed remarkable poise and courage. He not only recorded the professor’s inflammatory remarks but also confronted him directly, articulating the sheer gravity and inappropriateness of such a label. “How can you call me a terrorist? You are a professor, you are teaching us,” the student was heard saying in the widely circulated video. He underscored that such an accusation was not just insulting but potentially damaging, especially given the socio-political climate. His calm yet firm stand against authority resonated deeply with viewers, illustrating a powerful commitment to self-respect and justice.

The classroom itself became a microcosm of public opinion. Other students present immediately rallied around their peer, voicing their disapproval of the professor’s conduct. This collective solidarity underscored a fundamental expectation from academic institutions: that they be safe havens free from prejudice and discrimination. The virality of the video on social media platforms played a pivotal role in amplifying the incident beyond the campus gates, ensuring that the issue received widespread public scrutiny and demanding an immediate, transparent response from the university. Social media, in this instance, acted as a powerful vehicle for accountability, forcing the incident into the mainstream discourse.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) acted with commendable swiftness and decisiveness. Within hours of the incident coming to public attention, the university administration issued a statement condemning the professor’s actions and announced his immediate suspension from duties, pending a full internal inquiry. This prompt measure served to reassure the student community and the public that such behavior would not be tolerated. Furthermore, acting on the incident, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against Professor Shankar Narayan. He was booked under sections 153A and 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). For those unfamiliar, Section 153A addresses the promotion of enmity between different groups on grounds such as religion or race, while Section 504 pertains to intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. These legal steps signaled the profound legal ramifications associated with hate speech and discriminatory conduct, especially from a figure of authority in an educational setting.

Following the backlash, Professor Narayan reportedly issued an apology. He expressed regret for his actions, stating that he did not intend for his words to be taken in such a serious manner. However, the apology did little to quell the public outcry, as many argued that the choice of words and the repeated nature of the insult indicated a deeper issue. The incident sparked a crucial conversation about the accountability of educators and the profound impact their words can have on impressionable young minds. An apology, while necessary, often cannot fully undo the damage of such a public and discriminatory outburst.

This incident at Manipal transcends a mere isolated disciplinary matter; it highlights systemic issues pertaining to sensitisation, diversity training, and the creation of truly inclusive learning environments. Educational institutions are entrusted with the immense responsibility of not just imparting knowledge but also of shaping responsible citizens who uphold values of tolerance and respect. When teachers, who are meant to be mentors and guides, fall short of these fundamental expectations, it creates a crisis of trust within the academic community.

For a 12th standard student, understanding this event means grasping several key principles. Firstly, it underscores the importance of mutual respect in any interaction, particularly between teachers and students. Secondly, it teaches the power of standing up against injustice, even when it means challenging authority, and doing so with composure and conviction. Thirdly, it reveals how institutions must have clear policies and act decisively to protect their students from prejudice and provide avenues for grievance redressal. The incident also shines a light on the broader societal implications of hate speech and how such language, even in an academic setting, can have legal consequences. It reminds us that our words carry weight and that conscious effort is needed to foster harmony.

While the immediate focus of media reports and university action has been squarely on the professor’s misconduct and the subsequent legal and administrative steps, the broader context of student agency and the right to object to unfair treatment remains a critical underlying theme. In any situation where students bravely challenge authority, concerns about potential repercussions can naturally arise. It is imperative for educational institutions to cultivate an environment where students feel genuinely empowered to voice dissent against discriminatory or inappropriate conduct without fear of punitive measures. Policies must not only deter misconduct but also actively protect and encourage student expression and their right to a safe and respectful learning space. Omni 360 News reiterates that fostering such an environment is fundamental for the health and integrity of any academic community.

Key Takeaways from the Manipal Incident:
* Immediate and Decisive Institutional Response: MAHE’s swift suspension of the professor and initiation of an inquiry showcased a commitment to addressing severe misconduct promptly.
* Legal Accountability for Hate Speech: The lodging of an FIR under Sections 153A and 504 IPC emphasizes that communally charged and insulting remarks can have serious legal ramifications, even within an academic setting.
* Student Courage and Collective Solidarity: The student’s composed confrontation and the supportive stance of classmates highlight the critical role of student empowerment in challenging injustice and advocating for a respectful environment.
* The Imperative of Inclusive Campus Culture: The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for educational institutions to rigorously enforce anti-discrimination policies, implement sensitisation programs, and foster a truly inclusive atmosphere.
* Amplification by Social Media: The rapid spread of the video across digital platforms demonstrated the power of social media in ensuring accountability and bringing critical issues to widespread public attention.
* Educator Responsibility: The event underscores the profound responsibility carried by educators to maintain professionalism, exercise sensitivity, and uphold the values of dignity and respect in all interactions.

In conclusion, the Manipal campus incident stands as a profound moment in the discourse surrounding academic integrity, student rights, and institutional accountability. It powerfully reiterates that educational institutions are not merely places of instruction but vital communities that must actively uphold values of respect, diversity, and justice. The events at Manipal will undoubtedly contribute to evolving discussions and policies aimed at ensuring that such incidents are prevented, and that both educators and students can thrive in an environment of mutual dignity and trust. Omni 360 News will continue to follow the legal and administrative outcomes of this significant case, emphasizing its lasting lessons for campuses nationwide.