Bengaluru
A heated ideological conflict has erupted within the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), as a group of 17 professors took a stand against hate speech and misinformation within the institution. Last August 8th, the professors penned an open letter, expressing their concerns over the propagation of hate speech through news channels and social media. This action has led to a war of words, with a counter-letter drafted by 23 citizens who accused the professors of overstepping their boundaries. The conflict has escalated to the point where the president of IIMB has criticized the ideological bias and bankrupt mentality of the initial group. The 17 professors, including six retired individuals, implored Corporate India to play a role in curbing the spread of misinformation that could potentially incite anarchy and social instability. The counter-letter was authored by retired IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS officers, and military veterans stationed in Karnataka. They raised concerns about the abuse of academic autonomy and its potential to damage the reputation of IIMB. The retort from the citizens’ group emphasized that ignoring these issues could result in the propagation of seditious activities and damaging statements by academic experts. The letter further cautioned that this could tarnish the credibility of IIMB within Karnataka and erode its standing in society. Notable figures such as SL Gangadharappa, an adviser to the Government of Karnataka, and M Madan Gopal, former Additional Chief Secretary of the state, were among the signatories. The ongoing dispute revolves around the validity of claims such as increasing the risk of violent conflicts, spreading hatred against minorities, and undermining the social fabric. The initial group of professors dismissed these allegations, standing firm on their belief that their actions were aimed at maintaining a harmonious educational environment. The clash of perspectives underscores the deep-seated ideological divide and the larger societal implications of the hate speech debate.
