Denied PhD: Research scholar alleges caste-based discrimination by Dean

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Research scholar Vipin Vijayan has claimed that caste-based discrimination is the reason behind a complaint filed by Dr. C.N. Vijayakumari, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Languages and Head of the Sanskrit Department at the University of Kerala. Dr. Vijayakumari had reportedly written to the Vice-Chancellor recommending that Vipin not be granted a PhD, arguing that he does not know Sanskrit.

In his petition, Vipin stated that even though Professor Anil Pratap Giri of Prayagraj University—who chaired the open defence on the 15th—had recommended awarding him the PhD, Dr. Vijayakumari has withheld her signature on the required documents. Consequently, Vipin alleges that he is being denied his PhD degree.

Caste discrimination is unfortunate: Minister
Minister R. Bindu said it is unfortunate that a PhD student at the University of Kerala had to face caste discrimination. She pointed out that the same teacher who had earlier certified the student’s MPhil thesis is now claiming that the student does not know Sanskrit or the language. The Minister said this is contradictory and unreasonable. She added that teachers should not act according to political interests, and the government will look into the issue and take necessary action.