'Faced this 25 years ago, not shocked at all'; Dr Soumya Sarin opens up

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr Soumya Sarin recollected her memories from the college days amid a discussion ongoing about the death of Nithin Raj at the Anjarakandy dental college in Kannur. In a video uploaded on Facebook, Soumya said that Nithin’s death didn’t shock her at all.

Dr Soumya Sarin:

“This happened in Kerala, which prides itself on being progressive. I felt more ashamed than shocked. We are surrounded by people who carry caste and religion in their minds. It is shameful that there are people who even care to flaunt their casteist pejorative at students. Don't they feel ashamed of body-shaming children by calling them black, thin, and fat?

During MBBS, I had to face body-shaming comments from many departments. They won’t even feel any remorse in humiliating a girl in particular. We can't even argue with them, as there is a risk of failing in exams. Often, when assisting in surgeries, they make double-entendres. We will not be able to respond, but cope.

I faced this 25 years ago. I won't mention their names because they have families and children. When I complained then, I had to face retaliation. It's disappointing that the toxic culture still exists. The main culprit is the redundant examination system followed in colleges and schools.

Will torture you by deducting internal marks, won’t sign the thesis, and many more threats follow, which have been used by teachers to silence students over the years. It is time to call them out and end this culture.”