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IISER Pune students slam institute for cancelling Ambedkar event after ABVP objection, question academic freedom

After objections from ABVP, IISER Pune cancelled the Muktiparv event on Ambedkar’s works, sparking criticism from students and speakers.

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1 year ago

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The abrupt cancellation of Muktiparv, a scheduled event focused on the works and legacy of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, has triggered sharp criticism and protests from students at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. The event, planned for April 13 as part of a series of art and literature events this month, was called off following objections reportedly raised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The institute issued a statement citing concerns over controversy and law and order, stating that the event with external speakers would not be hosted “at this time.” However, students and organisers accused the administration of yielding to pressure and curbing academic discourse at a premier educational institution.

Event was scheduled to discuss caste, gender and Ambedkarite thought

Muktiparv was set to feature a panel of scholars, including Nazima Parveen, Deepali Salve, and Smita Patil—academicians known for their work on social equality and caste and gender dynamics. The event was designed to highlight Dr Ambedkar’s ideas on justice, social reform, and empowerment.

The cancellation came as a surprise to organisers, who said all necessary permissions had been obtained and earlier events under the same series had been conducted without issue. “We have been scheduling programmes since March. Due permissions were taken, and we successfully held an art exhibition last week,” one student said.

ABVP claims threat to social harmony

The Maharashtra wing of ABVP had publicly opposed the event on social media, labelling the invited speakers as “radicals” and alleged affiliates of the so-called “Tukde Tukde gang.” Their press release claimed that previous editions of Muktiparv included remarks that had hurt sentiments, and this year’s programme could potentially “divide society based on religion.”

Following the Pride March on campus by the Satrangi Club on April 6, tensions escalated. By April 10, ABVP representatives had approached the IISER director and Pune police demanding cancellation of the Muktiparv event.

Deepali Salve, one of the invited speakers, condemned the cancellation, accusing the ABVP of attempting to silence dissent and student voices. “RSS who left no stone unturned in dividing the country on the basis of caste and religion are today accusing those who hold the country together,” she said.

She further added, “Perhaps BJP and RSS have forgotten that the country will be governed by the Constitution, not Manusmriti.”

Students expressed anger at being kept in the dark about the decision and criticised the administration’s lack of communication. “The move is completely baseless, and no concrete reason has been stated. The lack of transparency is deeply concerning,” said one of the organisers.

The IISER student council pointed out that the complaint against the event labelled the speakers as “Dalit activists, journalists, and feminists who organised the ‘Night is Ours’ protest.” Many students and supporters of the event have since raised questions over institutional autonomy and the space for marginalised voices on campus.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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18 mins ago

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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29 mins ago

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May 7, 2026

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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48 mins ago

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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