TISS Issues Stern Warning to Students Against Protests Over Ram Temple Consecration

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has issued a strong warning to its students, cautioning them against participating in any protests on campus related to the upcoming Ram temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22. The institute cited potential legal consequences and involvement of law enforcement agencies in case of defiance.

Updated: Sunday, January 21, 2024, 0:00 [IST]

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TISS Raises Red Flag: Students Beware of Protest Consequences — Representative image

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has issued a notice cautioning students against participating in any protests on campus related to the Ram temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22. The institute warned that students defying this directive could face action from law enforcement agencies.

TISS Denies Protest Plans

In response to the TISS notice, the student union of the institute released a statement denying that any recognized or independent student body is organizing protests. The student union demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notice and an explanation for its issuance.

IIT Bombay Plans Celebrations

In contrast to TISS, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced plans to hold programs to mark the Ram temple consecration. These include the inauguration of a gaushala (cow shelter) and a recitation of a poem based on the epic Ramayan.

Criticism from Student Organization

The Ambedkar Phule Periyar Study Circle, a left-leaning student organization at IIT Bombay, has criticized the institute's decision to hold these programs. The organization accused the IITB administration of succumbing to Hindutva political forces and abandoning the principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

As the Ram temple consecration ceremony approaches, educational institutions in India are grappling with the potential for protests and the need to maintain campus harmony. While TISS has taken a cautious approach by warning students against protests, IIT Bombay has opted to organize celebratory events, drawing criticism from some student groups.