Overview

• Mallika Sarabhai, Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam, claims she faces restrictions on her freedom of expression in her academic role.
• She defied implied directives by virtually joining an ASHA workers’ protest in Thrissur and donating ₹1,000 to their crowdfunding initiative.
• The protest, led by activist Sarah Joseph, seeks better wages and working conditions for grassroots health workers across Kerala.
• Sarabhai has publicly criticized the alleged constraints, questioning the limits placed on her ability to voice opinions as an academic leader.
• The Kerala government and university authorities have yet to address Sarabhai’s allegations of censorship or her participation in the protest.