Who Is Nivedita Menon? JNU Professor Silenced Amid Protests At GMU

At Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) in Odisha's Sambalpur, the esteemed academic, Professor Nivedita Menon, faced an egregious disruption during her talk titled 'Feminisms for the 21st Century'. The event, intended to foster intellectual discourse and the exchange of ideas, was marred by the unwelcome intrusion of a right-wing Hindu group. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) unequivocally condemns such acts of intimidation and disruption, standing firmly in support of Professor Menon and academic freedom.

Disruption of Intellectual Discourse

During her scheduled talk at GMU, Professor Menon’s address, titled ‘Feminisms for the 21st Century,’ was wrecked by disruptions orchestrated by a faction largely composed of individuals unaffiliated with the university. Approximately 15 minutes into her address, the sanctity of the academic platform was breached as slogans were hurled, aimed at intimidating Professor Menon and stifling her voice. Such acts not only impede the free exchange of ideas but also constitute a direct affront to academic freedom, a cornerstone of scholarly pursuit. Despite attempts to facilitate an online discourse at Sambalpur University, the proceedings were obstructed, depriving attendees of the opportunity for meaningful engagement. 

The Menace of Anti-Academic Elements

The disruption faced by Professor Menon transcends mere inconvenience; it represents a pernicious trend infiltrating academic spaces across India.Instances of censorship, intimidation, and forced cancellations of lectures have become distressingly common in contemporary India. This alarming trend not only obstructs academic pursuits but also erodes the foundational values of tolerance, diversity, and intellectual freedom. 

The New Indian Express reported that students allegedly affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) orchestrated the disruption, brandishing slogans such as 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Nivedita Menon Go Back'. This orchestrated chaos not only curtailed Professor Menon's right to free expression but also deprived attendees of the opportunity for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Despite the orchestrated disruption, Professor Menon exhibited strength, persevering through the turbulence with the support and solidarity of her peers, with numerous faculty members standing by her side during the disruption.

Who Is Nivedita Menon? 

Nivedita Menon stands as a distinguished writer, professor, and advocate for gender equality and social justice. With a career spanning  over 3 decades, her intellectual contributions and activism have left a lasting mark on the outlook of feminist thought and political discourse in India and beyond. Born in 1960 in Pune, Nivedita Menon's journey into academia has been nothing short of remarkable. She's held prestigious positions at renowned institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she currently teaches political thought. But her impact reaches far beyond the lecture halls, as she's known for her groundbreaking work in feminist theory.

Menon's pen is mightier than the sword, as evidenced by her influential writings. Her books, like "Seeing Like a Feminist" and "Recovering Subversion," have captivated readers with their incisive analysis and thought-provoking insights. Through her words, she challenges societal norms and inspires others to question the status quo. Critics and readers alike have lauded Menon's work for its brilliance and impact. Reviews in publications like The Hindu and The Guardian have praised her ability to tackle complex issues with clarity and depth. Her writings have not only earned critical acclaim but have also sparked important discussions on gender, politics, and power.

Menon doesn't just talk the talk; she walks the walk when it comes to activism. From opposing nuclear power to advocating for Kashmiri autonomy, she's been a vocal champion for social justice and human rights. Her critiques of issues like the Uniform Civil Code have sparked heated debates and drawn ire from critics. But she's never backed down from speaking her truth, even in the face of adversity.

Academic Freedom Index and Its Revelations

When discussing the recent incident at GMU that silenced Professor Menon, one cannot overlook the mention of the V-Dem Academic Freedom Index. India finds itself among 22 countries and territories globally where academic freedom has undergone a significant decline over the past decade. As per the latest index, India scored a meager 0.38 on a scale of 0 to 1, placing it within the bottom percentile of nations assessed. This decline in academic freedom, as documented by the V-Dem Institute, delineates a narrative of regression from the vibrant intellectual discourse that once characterized Indian academia.

According to the V-Dem Academic Freedom Index of 2023, India finds itself relegated to the bottom 20-30% category, trailing behind nations such as Libya, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Chad, Bhutan, Ukraine, and Palestine

India's trajectory aligns with global patterns of academic repression, characterized by centralized control, bureaucratization, and politicization, which engender weakened institutional autonomy and heightened vulnerability of academic freedoms. While India shares commonalities with countries like China in terms of political interference in academic affairs, it stands out due to notable pressure on institutional dimensions of academic freedom, such as autonomy and campus integrity

The disruption faced by Professor Nivedita Menon at GMU and the subsequent denial of her right to speak at Sambalpur University are not just isolated incidents but symptomatic of a larger crisis threatening academic freedom in India. As guardians of knowledge and proponents of free inquiry, it is the need of the hour that we remain vigilant in the face of threats to academic autonomy, ensuring that the search of truth and knowledge remains unfettered by external pressures and ideological agendas.

Views expressed by the author are their own