NIT Calicut Faces Backlash Over Dean’s Appointment Amid Godse Praise Controversy

A major dispute has arisen at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut following the appointment of Professor Shaija Andavan as the Dean of Planning and Development.

The controversy stems from her past remarks praising Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, and allegations of irregularities in the appointment process.

Background of the Controversy

Shaija Andavan, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Calicut, came under scrutiny last year for her comment on a Facebook post by advocate Krishna Raj.

The advocate’s post described “Hindu Mahasabha activist Nathuram Vinayak Godse” as a “hero of many people in Bharat.”

She responded by writing, “Proud of Godse for saving India.” Although she later deleted the comment, screenshots spread widely, leading to a case against her under IPC Section 153 for wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot.

The case was registered following a complaint by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and she was later granted bail.

Despite the controversy, Andavan has now been appointed as the Dean of Planning and Development, a decision that has sparked strong reactions.

Andavan’s Defense

Last year, Andavan attempted to clarify her stance, stating:

“My comment was not to appreciate the killing of Gandhiji. I never wanted to do so. I had read Godse’s book, Why I Killed Gandhi. Godse was also a freedom fighter. There is a lot of information and revelations in his book, which the common man does not know. Godse has enlightened us in his book. Against this backdrop, I had commented on the advocate’s Facebook post. When I realized that people have started distorting my comment, I deleted it.”

Reactions to the Appointment

The decision to appoint Andavan as Dean has triggered protests from student and political organizations.

Student Organizations’ Protest

The SFI, the student wing of CPI(M), strongly opposed her appointment, calling it “unacceptable.”

“This is the latest example of NIT Calicut becoming an important center of communalization that the Sangh Parivar government at the center is implementing in the country’s education sector, following the footsteps of the New Education Policy,” SFI stated in a press release.

The student body has vowed to continue protesting until the appointment is revoked.

Political Opposition

The District Congress Committee also demanded that the NIT Calicut Director rescind the appointment. Congress has announced protests at the institute to oppose the decision.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government, stating on X:

“A Professor in Kerala who publicly says she is proud of Godse for saving India is made a Dean in NIT-Calicut by the Modi government.”

He linked the appointment to what he called the BJP’s dual strategy: “Appropriate Gandhi, Glorify Godse.”

Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal and Pawan Khera also condemned the move, while CPI(M)’s youth wing, DYFI, announced a protest march to NIT Calicut.

Legal Case and Police Investigation

Following the controversy last year, Andavan was questioned by the Kunnamangalam police. Organizations such as DYFI, SFI, and the Youth Congress had lodged complaints against her social media remarks.

She was granted anticipatory bail by the Kunnamangalam court after the police case was registered.

The NIT Calicut Order and Academic Implications

As per the appointment order issued by the NIT-Calicut Director, Andavan is to work alongside the current Dean, Dr. Priya Chandran, until March 7 to ensure a “smooth changeover.” The appointment is initially for two years, subject to further review.

This decision has reignited debates over academic neutrality and political influence in educational institutions.

Advocate Krishna Raj’s Perspective

Krishna Raj, the advocate whose Facebook post Andavan commented on, dismissed the controversy as “purely political.”

“A normal Hindu, a very ordinary Hindu, who endured 600 years of jihadi invasions and 200 years of Christian invasions, without converting, without yielding for a pittance of money or at the edge of a sword… a Hindu who stood firm. From that Hindu perspective, if you read the book Why I Killed Gandhi, a certain feeling would arise,” he stated.

He defended the view that many Indians see Nathuram Godse as a hero, adding, “Is there anything wrong with that?” He argued that Godse surrendered himself after the assassination, which he believed reflected his convictions.

The Godse Debate and Its Impact on Politics

The controversy surrounding Nathuram Godse’s legacy remains a deeply polarizing issue in Indian politics. In Why I Killed Gandhi, Godse questioned Gandhi’s role as the “Father of the Nation,” claiming he failed his duty by consenting to India’s partition.

This ideological divide continues to influence political discourse, as seen in the strong reactions to Andavan’s appointment.

The appointment of Shaija Andavan as Dean of Planning and Development at NIT Calicut has sparked significant controversy due to her past comments on Nathuram Godse.

With strong opposition from student organizations, Congress, and CPI(M), the issue has once again highlighted ideological tensions in Indian academia and politics. Whether the protests will lead to a reversal of her appointment remains to be seen.