📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Timothy A. Gonsalves
Education
IIT Mandi launches probe into controversial ‘Shudras serve higher classes’ poster
✍️ thehindu.com
🗓 06 Sep 2026, 09:03 PM
👁 3
IIT Mandi has opened an inquiry after a poster bearing the slogan ‘Shudras serve higher classes’ appeared on campus, with the director saying the message reflects a misinterpretation by some students.
A poster containing the phrase “Shudras serve higher classes” was discovered on the IIT Mandi campus earlier this week, prompting the institute’s administration to launch a formal investigation. The poster, which quickly circulated among students on social media, raised concerns about caste‑based discrimination and the potential violation of the institute’s code of conduct.
Director Prof. R. K. Singh addressed the media, stating that the wording appears to be a misinterpretation by a few students and does not represent the official stance of the institute. He emphasized that IIT Mandi upholds a zero‑tolerance policy towards any form of hate speech or caste prejudice and assured that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if the inquiry confirms wrongdoing.
The institute has formed an internal committee comprising senior faculty and administrative officials to examine the origin of the poster, identify those responsible, and recommend corrective measures. Meanwhile, a campus‑wide awareness drive on constitutional values and inclusive behavior is being planned to prevent similar incidents.
IIT Mandi’s swift response reflects broader sensitivities in Indian higher‑education institutions regarding caste issues, and the outcome of the probe is expected to be communicated to students and staff within the next few days.
Director Prof. R. K. Singh addressed the media, stating that the wording appears to be a misinterpretation by a few students and does not represent the official stance of the institute. He emphasized that IIT Mandi upholds a zero‑tolerance policy towards any form of hate speech or caste prejudice and assured that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if the inquiry confirms wrongdoing.
The institute has formed an internal committee comprising senior faculty and administrative officials to examine the origin of the poster, identify those responsible, and recommend corrective measures. Meanwhile, a campus‑wide awareness drive on constitutional values and inclusive behavior is being planned to prevent similar incidents.
IIT Mandi’s swift response reflects broader sensitivities in Indian higher‑education institutions regarding caste issues, and the outcome of the probe is expected to be communicated to students and staff within the next few days.