Dalit PhD scholar protests caste discrimination at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University

A Dalit PhD scholar has been protesting at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University in Kerala for six days, alleging caste and gender discrimination, harassment and denial of academic opportunities that have stalled her research for more than a year.

Anagha Shashi, who joined the university’s Department of Environmental Science in March 2024, said she completed her PhD coursework more than a year ago but is yet to begin her research because her Doctoral Committee has not been convened. She also alleged that delays in her annual progress report have put her Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment fellowship at risk.

Instead of being allowed to focus on research, Anagha alleged that she was assigned cleaning and clerical duties, including washing laboratory equipment and organising old records, dissertations and study-tour reports. She also alleged that she was denied a chair and workspace and was told to stand in the corridor when no chair was available.

Anagha accused her guide, Arun Babu V, and faculty member Jaini Varghese of repeatedly denying her academic guidance and asking her to discontinue her PhD. She alleged that after receiving a science and technology fellowship and qualifying UGC-NET, she was subjected to casteist remarks about receiving the fellowship because of her caste.

She also alleged that threats surrounding her fellowship and prolonged harassment severely affected her mental health, resulting in depression, medication and suicide attempts.

Anagha’s mother, Ambika Shashi, joined her in the protest, saying the family had taken loans to fund her daughter’s education. The mother and daughter began their protest at midnight on August 14.

The protesters have demanded a fair inquiry, the immediate convening of Anagha’s Doctoral Committee, approval of her annual progress report and action against those accused of discrimination.

They have also questioned the university’s handling of an earlier complaint to its SC/ST Cell and sought action against officials involved in the process.

The university’s SFI unit declined to comment, while stating in an Instagram post that the issue was being diverted from Anagha’s demand for justice to attacks on the organisation.

On Wednesday, the university announced a judicial inquiry into the allegations. The protesters called the decision a “victory” but said they would continue their agitation until their demands were addressed.

Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John spoke to Anagha via video call on Thursday and assured her that necessary steps would be taken.