Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Gujarat has strongly condemned a series of developments at IIT Gandhinagar, alleging ideological bias, suppression of dissent, and a disregard for the cultural sentiments of Hindu students within the institute’s academic and administrative frameworks.
In a statement released on May 5, ABVP Gujarat expressed grave concern over the increasing misuse of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department at IIT Gandhinagar. The organisation cited credible testimonies and internal observations indicating a deliberate promotion of selective theological narratives, particularly Islamic themes, in academic research. ABVP pointed out that a disproportionately high number of thesis projects were centered around Islamic subjects, raising serious questions about academic neutrality and objectivity.
Press Release
ABVP Gujarat expresses grave concerns over ideological bias and cultural insensitivity at IIT Gandhinagar.
04/05/2025
KarnavatiAkhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Gujarat expresses grave concern and unequivocal condemnation over a disturbing sequence of… pic.twitter.com/37XHU2l2Dl
— ABVP Gujarat (@ABVPGujarat) May 4, 2025
One instance that has sparked significant concern is the clandestine conduct of a thesis defence related to the 2002 Gujarat riots. The project, supervised by Dr. Ashish Xaxa, reportedly bypassed the standard practice of open academic scrutiny. ABVP questioned the transparency of such proceedings and asserted that they undermine the institute’s academic integrity and commitment to fair scholarly evaluation.
Adding to the controversy, students who questioned these academic directions or attempted to initiate dialogue were allegedly threatened with disciplinary action. ABVP cited emails from Dr. Nishaant Choksi warning students against sharing thesis topics beyond the confines of the institute. The communication invoked the ‘honor code’ and warned of possible action by the Student Senate Affairs Committee, which ABVP criticised as a form of censorship that stifles free academic discourse.
The student organisation also took strong objection to a pro-Palestine solidarity event hosted on campus. ABVP argued that such events politicise the academic space and run contrary to India’s official diplomatic stance, further polarising students and faculty.
Equally troubling, according to ABVP, is the administration’s apparent apathy towards Bharatiya cultural values and national sentiment. The student body emphasised that such insensitivity creates a hostile environment for students who identify with Hindu traditions and nationalistic ideals.
ABVP Gujarat has called upon IIT Gandhinagar’s administration and the Ministry of Education to take urgent corrective action to restore ideological balance, ensure transparency in academic processes, and uphold the constitutional right to free expression within academic institutions.
