The IIT Mandi Institute has initiated an internal investigation after a poster themed around the 'Bhagavad Gita' was displayed on campus during the Janmashtami celebration. The poster depicted Shudras as people designated to 'serve higher castes,' sparking debates regarding caste discrimination.
Institute Director Lakshmidhar Behera stated that the poster was part of an event organized by students and did not receive approval from the institute. He expressed shock upon discovering the poster and emphasized that IIT Mandi does not support caste-based discrimination.
Director distances himself from the poster
In an email sent to the IIT Mandi community on Sunday, Behera referred to the situation as a 'direct condemnation of the recent placement of the poster on the campus premises.' He clarified that the poster, which was put up on September 4th, was not approved by the institute 'in any way.' He added: 'I personally fought against caste discrimination in any form on all forums. I established an inquiry committee on this matter so that the institute's campus is never used for such a violation of social harmony. I sympathize completely with the members of our community who have been affected by this incident.'
Behera stressed IIT Mandi's commitment to 'the values of equality, social justice, and scientific worldview,' as well as the principles enshrined in the Constitution. He stated that the institute strongly condemns any form of caste discrimination and called on the campus community members to 'unite against such prejudices/discrimination in any form.'
According to Behera, the poster was prepared for a student event. He reported that the inquiry committee includes faculty members and representatives from various social groups, including members of Caste groups covered under the Scheduled Castes Act and Other Backward Classes.
Content of the controversial poster
The poster, titled 'Bhagavad Gita – Eternal Wisdom,' was placed near the institute's auditorium during the Janmashtami celebration. It divided society into four groups mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The poster described Brahmins as those who 'spread the message of God,' Kshatriyas as those who 'protect society and spirituality,' and Vaishyas as those who 'drive the economy and support others.'
However, for Shudras, the poster indicated their role as 'serving higher castes,' which led to the controversy. Furthermore, the poster quoted a line from the Bhagavad Gita stating that the four divisions of human society were created according to 'three modes of material nature and the work associated with them.'
Behera noted that he was absent from IIT Mandi and returned on Saturday. He learned about the dispute on Sunday morning. He told PTI: 'I did not see the poster. I do not want to take sides and will let the panel decide.'
Behera's connection to Gita and ISKCON
This incident also drew attention to Behera's long-standing association with the Bhagavad Gita and ISKCON. According to his official profile at IIT Mandi, Behera dedicated 27 years to teaching what he calls 'universal principles of peace through the Bhagavad Gita.' He is also known as 'HG Lila Purushottam Das' and is the founder of the proposed Bhaktivedanta University, whose website describes him as an ISKCON initiative.
Currently, Behera teaches a three-credit course on the Bhagavad Gita at IIT Mandi. He has defended ISKCON's stance on castes, stating that the organization opposes discrimination and promotes equality. He asserted: 'ISKCON is the only organization that strictly and resolutely opposes caste discrimination. Pujaris in ISKCON are also from the Shudra community. Muslims are also pujaris.'
He added: 'We are against caste thinking in all forms. All professional duties correspond to guna and karma.' Behera also highlighted that, in his opinion, the representation of marginalized communities has increased during his tenure at IIT Mandi. He said that when he joined the institute, there were no faculty members from OBC, SC, or ST, whereas their numbers have significantly increased since then. The IIT director had previously faced criticism for his public views.
The institute's investigation committee will now examine how the poster was prepared, displayed, and presented during the student event.