The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn) has dismissed Professor Ashish Xaxa following a series of controversies linked to his social media activity. This decision was confirmed by IIT-Gn in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query. Ashish Xaxa had been a prominent figure on social media, where his posts often raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the behaviour of faculty members at IITs.
Dr. Xaxa’s social media presence included numerous posts supporting Congress leaders and sharing pro-Palestine content. His messages often urged citizens to reclaim democracy, leading to allegations that he attempted to incite public unrest. He faced backlash for his comments about Gujarat, describing it as a ‘hellhole’ and a ‘scam society.’ These remarks were particularly controversial, given his position at a prestigious institute in Gujarat.
The dismissal follows reports from various media outlets, which highlighted his controversial posts. For instance, he had shared materials from authors discussing the ‘colonisation’ of Kashmir and Palestine, suggesting a parallel between these issues and India. Such viewpoints have led to accusations of bias and a lack of objectivity in his academic work.
In addition to his dismissal, Xaxa faced criticism for previous interactions with users on social media, where he allegedly responded harshly to criticism. One user claimed he behaved inappropriately before blocking them, which added to the negative perception of his conduct.
Despite the controversies, Xaxa has a notable academic background. His recent publication, ‘Covid-19 and the Indigenous Migrants Question in Urban India,’ examined the challenges faced by migrant workers during the pandemic. While the article acknowledged the struggles of these workers, it was perceived by some as biased, particularly in its praise for certain state leaders and their handling of the crisis.
IIT Gandhinagar has been under scrutiny for its faculty’s conduct, with calls for transparency and accountability. Students and alumni have expressed concern regarding the impact of such controversies on the institution’s reputation. Many argue that academic freedom should coexist with professional conduct, and that faculty members should be mindful of their public statements.
The dismissal of Ashish Xaxa reflects ongoing tensions in Indian academia, where political views and social media activity frequently intersect. As universities navigate these challenges, the case of Xaxa serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between personal expression and professional responsibility.
Overall, the situation at IIT-Gn underscores the significant role that social media plays in shaping public perception of academic institutions. The fallout from this incident may prompt further discussions on the responsibilities of educators in the digital age and the potential implications for their careers in the face of online controversies.