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3mo ago

NIT-Calicut Dean Appointment Faces Backlash Over Past Godse Praise

Dr. Shaija Andavan's promotion draws criticism from political parties and student groups due to her controversial social media comment supporting Gandhi's assassin.

Dr Shaija A, who has been appointed as the Dean of the Planning and Development Department, with effect from March 7, had allegedly expressed pride in Godse for assassinating Mahatma Gandhi and thus saving India. (Image source: nitc.ac.in)

Overview

  • Dr. Shaija Andavan, a mechanical engineering professor at NIT-Calicut, has been appointed as Dean of Planning and Development starting March 7, 2025.
  • The controversy stems from a 2024 social media comment in which Andavan expressed pride in Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, a post she later deleted.
  • Political parties, including the Congress and CPI(M), have strongly opposed her appointment, with protests planned by student groups such as DYFI and SFI.
  • Critics argue the appointment undermines Gandhi's legacy, while Andavan defends her qualifications, citing her leadership experience at NIT-Calicut.
  • Andavan was previously arrested and released on bail under IPC Section 153 for her comment, and the legal case against her is ongoing.