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In a recent development that has raised concerns over academic freedom, Ashoka University, a prestigious liberal arts institution in India, finds itself at the center of controversy. The university's decision not to back research by Professor Sabyasachi Das has come under scrutiny, with implications of political interference and alleged embezzlement accusations complicating the situation.
The paper titled 'Democratic Backsliding in the World's Largest Democracy' seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse by examining the irregular patterns observed during the 2019 general election in India. It specifically investigates whether electoral manipulation or the incumbent party's strategic control is responsible for these patterns. The incumbent party accurately predicts and influences the election outcomes through its campaigning efforts.
Reasons behind Ashoka University not backing professor
The unfolding events have caught the attention of the academic community, as well as the public at large. Ashoka University, known for its commitment to intellectual exploration and research, is now grappling with external pressures that threaten its principles of academic independence.
At the heart of the matter lies Professor Sabyasachi Das, whose research findings are reportedly not being supported by the university. Ashoka University, an institution funded entirely by donations, is facing mounting pressure from both the Haryana government and the Government of India.
The university has been targeted by authorities, and its autonomy has been questioned many times, raising concerns about potential political influence on academic decisions.
- In 2023, Ashoka University found itself in the eye of a storm over a faculty member’s yet-to-be peer-reviewed paper claiming to reveal evidence of a degree of electoral manipulation in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The university dissociated itself from the faculty’s public activism and stated that social media activity or public activism by Ashoka faculty, students or staff in their individual capacity does not reflect the stand of the University.
- In 2022, Haryana’s higher education department issued a show cause notice to Ashoka University, accusing it of “financial embezzlement” by not admitting enough students from Haryana domicile in various courses or giving them fee concession as required by the state’s Private Universities Act, 2006. The university denied the allegation.
- In 2021, there was controversy when Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Arvind Subramanian resigned from Ashoka University. While the immediate cause for the resignation is not known, it is surmised that Mehta’s outspoken views on the ruling establishment might have had something to do with it.
Ashoka University clarifies dismay
Ashoka University released a statement on Tuesday, clarifying that it is dismayed by the speculation and debate surrounding a recent paper authored by one of its faculty members, Sabyasachi Das, who is an Assistant Professor of Economics. The university also addressed its position on the contents of the paper.
The statement further added, "As a matter of record, Ashoka University is focused on excellence in teaching and research across multiple disciplines, with a vision to build India's finest university, create social impact and contribute to nation-building. The University encourages its 160-plus faculty to carry out research, but does not direct or approve specific research projects by individual faculty members".
To the best of our knowledge, the paper in question has not yet undergone a critical review process and has not been published in an academic journal.
Social media activity or public activism by Ashoka faculty, students or staff in their individual capacity does not reflect the stand of the University.
Tharoor urges answers on election
Congress MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor tweeted “... if the Election Commission and/or the Government of India have answers available to refute these arguments, they should provide them in detail. The evidence presented does not lend itself to political attacks on a serious scholar. E.g. the discrepancy in vote tallies needs to be explained, since it can't be wished away".
Nishikant Dubey, a MP from Jharkhand tweeted, "It is fine to differ with the BJP on matters of policy but this is taking it too far... how can someone in the name of half-baked research discredit India's vibrant poll process? How can any University allow it? Answers needed- this is not a good enough response."
Students back teacher
University students issued a statement of solidarity with Sabyasachi Das and asked the university to withdraw its statement dissociating from his work.
The students of Ashoka University have rallied behind Professor Sabyasachi Das after his research paper on Democratic Backsliding in India became a target of hate and criticism from Right Wing commentators and trolls on social media.
The students have issued a statement expressing their solidarity with Professor Das and demanding that the university withdraw its statement dissociating from his work. They emphasize the significance of his research, especially in the context of ongoing events in the country, and denounce the administration's response, which they believe undermines academic freedom and quality research.
In a statement, the Ashoka University alumni community said, "The primacy of such research hardly needs to be stated, especially given other events occurring in our country, including but not limited to the ethnic conflict in Manipur, riots in Haryana, shooting of Muslims - all events that have occurred in the past 24/48Hours".
The statement further added "I also wished to use this mail to call out the Administration, in particular the Founders, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, and the PR Team of this University for their frankly half baked response. Instead of standing behind Professor Das, the leadership of this esteemed University has instead chosen to implicitly discredit the research done by it's own faculty, In this process opening not only the reputation of the faculty, but the concerned department, the research quality, and the supposed "Academic Freedom for both outside Researchers and Students wishing to consider joining Ashoka, to sustained right wing trolling, not to mention general criticism and ridicule".
Dismay at response
The university faced criticism from academics and prominent figures for not supporting its faculty member and yielding to pressure.
Joyojeet Pal, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, tweeted that Ashoka University sets an example of weak institutions throwing junior faculty under the bus. Narayani Basu, a historian, agreed, expressing that academic debate should be encouraged, and the university's response showed a lack of spine and integrity.
Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor at Yale University, commented that the university's statement suggests they lack confidence in supporting their faculty member and are bowing to BJP pressure, indicating a different India.
Suhas Palshikar, a political scientist, lamented that academic freedom seems to have ended in the country's institutions, with restrictions on research stifling social science's ability to examine, critique, and seek alternatives, promoting ignorance and obedience.
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