Image; Dominic Lipinski/PA
Dalit and Adivasi write to the Liason officer, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi urging action
Dalit Students of the Indian Instiute of Mass Communication, New Delhi have registered strong outrage and protest against fellow students who have allegedly launched an especially vicious hate and abusive campaign against them on social media. In a written communication dated February 1, 2016 they have requested sensitisation classes to avoid spreading “ill will” against students belonging to Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribe community on the Campus failing which they would be compelled to take legal action.
It is shocking that this sort of abuse has been resorted to by an Institute that will produce tomorrow’s journalists, television honchos, advertisement and public relations personnel apart from film makers!
The communication has been addressed to the Liason Officer, SC/ST Cell of the Institute.
The post on social media platform – Facebook on the January 18, 2016, “is derogatory and demeaning to the SC and ST students studying in IIMC. It clearly promotes ill will and hurts sentiments of the undersigned students.” There are, on paper, statutory safeguards under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Students have attached screen shots of their comments on the post which are reproduced below. The usage of Hindi words such as “Randi Rona” by the alleged offenders, shows contempt for the solidarity shown to a brother Dalit student, Malai Khana” on the matter of affirmative action towards social justice and the promotion of equity etc. And these are only some examples of the kind of statements which make the students feel that they are being look down upon.
Sabrangindia is in possession of a copy of the complaint. Dalit and Adivasi students have said that they do not want any punitive action “except a public apology and undertaking against the person writing or spreading such messages.” The follow up letter urges that,” we would beg to request a slot in the academic timetable to be allocated for sensitizing of all the students by experts in the field of Caste/Tribe reality and affirmative action, to promote amicability and inclusivity on campus. This initiative would make us feel human and dignified.”
Copies of the complaint have been also been addressed to Sunil Arora, IAS, Chairman, IIMC, Anurag Mishra, IIS, OSD, IIMC, All Dept. Heads and Course Coordinators , Ministry of Social Justice, Govt of India and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India.
In a follow-up communication the students have also appreciated the positive response from the authorities. Students have further drawn attention to certain incidents that have occurred on campus aggravating discontent amidst the Dalit and Adivasi student post the petition filing. These are:
Case 1:
Social media are now flooded with hashtags (#) of supporting the perpetrator and they say abusing and derogatory remarks made are freedom of speech and expression. (Annexure 1)
Case 2:
In the campus there is an air of worry that one course is instrumental in trying to raise voice against the issue and it is juvenile on the part of that specific course. (Annexure 2)
Case 3:
Comments are being passed and remarks made loud when the students pass through the corridors in the college and hostels.
Students have urged proactive action by the faculty to ensure harmony and amicability on campus failing which they would be forced to take legal recourse against their will. Dalit and Adivasi students are simply not able to focus on their studies.
Annexure 1 –Signature of students
Annexure 2
