Mumbai, September 8: A poster themed around the Bhagavad Gita displayed at IIT Mandi has sparked significant controversy. The poster described the role of Shudras as “servants of higher castes,” leading to widespread backlash.
In response to the escalating situation, the institute’s director, Laxmidhar Behera, has ordered an investigation, stating that the interpretation was solely that of the students and that the institution bears no responsibility for it.
Interestingly, Behera has a long-standing association with the Bhagavad Gita, having taught it for many years and being connected with ISKCON. He offers a complete course on the Gita at IIT Mandi and is also the founder of the proposed Bhaktivedanta University, which is said to be an initiative of ISKCON.
In an interview with PTI, Behera remarked, “Some students interpreted the Gita in their own way. I have formed an inquiry committee. This was a student event.” He emphasized that both he and the institution are firmly against caste discrimination.
On the same day, Behera sent an email to the entire campus titled “Open Condemnation of Recently Displayed Posters.” He expressed his shock upon learning about the poster, which was put up during Janmashtami on September 4, and clarified that the institution did not support it in any manner.
In the email, Behera stated, “I have fought against all forms of caste discrimination on every platform. I have formed an inquiry committee to ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future. I understand the feelings of those who were hurt by this.”
Behera also mentioned that he had not seen the poster himself and did not wish to take sides, leaving the decision to the committee.
The director has faced controversies in the past. According to his profile at IIT Mandi, he has been teaching the “universal principles of peace through the Gita” for the past 27 years. Known as HG Leela Purushottam Das, he has previously made headlines for asking students to take a vow of vegetarianism, linking it to environmental issues in Himachal Pradesh.
This incident has raised questions about the institution’s commitment to equality and social justice, as Behera reiterated the need for unity against all forms of discrimination on campus.