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Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: The cancellation of "Muktiparv," an event dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's works at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, has triggered significant protest among students. Scheduled for April 13 (Sunday), the event was to feature scholars discussing Ambedkar's contributions across various domains. However, following pressure from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), IISER administration cancelled the event, raising serious concerns about academic freedom.

The institute had been hosting a series of art and literature events since early April. Muktiparv was planned as a highlight, featuring academics Nazima Parveen, Deepali Salve, and Smita Patil, experts in social equality and caste and gender dynamics. Despite receiving proper permissions in advance, the administration abruptly cancelled the event without informing the organizers, citing a desire "to avoid controversy."

Also Read: Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Schools And Colleges To Remain Closed In Delhi Tomorrow, April 14

Political Pressure Behind the Cancellation:

ABVP Maharashtra publicly opposed the event on social media, demanding a ban on what they characterized as "speakers associated with Maoists, radicals and from Tukde Tukde gang." Their press statement claimed that speakers might make statements that could "cause law and order problems" and "divide society based on religion."

Tensions reportedly began escalating after a Pride March organized by the campus Satrangi club on April 6. By April 10, ABVP representatives had approached both the institute's director and local police demanding cancellation of the Ambedkar event.

Speakers Respond to Allegations:

Deepali Salve, one of the invited speakers, strongly condemned the cancellation, stating: "ABVP is a student organisation of RSS which works to spread terror in different campuses of India." She further asserted that the opposition came because "some fearless women are raising their voice for their community," and reminded that "the country will be run by the Constitution and not by Manusmriti."

According to students, ABVP complaints to the director characterised the invited speakers as "Dalit activists, journalists, and feminists who organised the 'Night is Ours' protest."

Student Body Condemns Administration's Decision:

IISER's student council expressed deep concern over the administration's handling of the situation. "Before cancellation of the event, we as organisers were kept uninformed, and the move taken is completely baseless as no concrete reasons have been stated when asked to the director," stated one student.

The council further noted that "the institute's succumbing to such external forces is completely unacceptable, and it sets a perilous precedent for future events happening on campus." Students view this incident as evidence of an "authoritarian presence" affecting academic establishments where "academic freedom has been seen compromised as per the will of external factors."

Institute's Official Statement

In its official statement, IISER Pune explained the cancellation by referring to "concerns raised" and a desire "to avoid controversy." The institute claimed it "remains committed to upholding the ideals set forth by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as we observe Ambedkar Jayanti this weekend and through the year," despite cancelling the scholarly event dedicated to his work.

Previous Controversies and Context

According to ABVP's statement, last year's Muktiparv event featured speakers who allegedly "made statements which had hurt the sentiments of the people." This year's cancellation appears connected to ongoing tensions about the boundaries of academic discussion at the research institute.

For more information about IISER Pune and its academic programs, visit the official institute website at www.iiserpune.ac.in.

Also Read: Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti: A Journey of Education, Resilience, And Social Reform, What Students Can Learn From His Life?