MANDI, September 13: An inquiry committee constituted by IIT Mandi has concluded that there was no deliberate intention to insult or target any individual or community through the controversial Janmashtami poster that triggered allegations of caste discrimination on campus.
The three-member committee, assisted by the institute’s Reservation Cell, also found that the incident did not attract provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. It has recommended counselling and sensitisation rather than punitive action against the student involved.
What Triggered the IIT Mandi Controversy?
The controversy began after a poster titled “Bhagavad Gita – The Timeless Wisdom: Karma” was displayed outside the institute’s auditorium during Janmashtami celebrations on September 4.
The poster described different social groups while explaining verses from the Bhagavad Gita. The line that attracted the strongest criticism described the role of Shudras as serving “higher classes.”
Images of the poster circulated widely on social media, leading to allegations that it promoted a caste hierarchy and discriminatory ideas.
Committee Finds No Deliberate Intent
According to the inquiry report, there was no evidence that the poster had been prepared with an intention to humiliate or discriminate against members of a particular caste or community.
The committee identified the student responsible for preparing the poster but recommended counselling and sensitisation instead of disciplinary punishment.
The panel’s conclusion relates to the intent behind the incident; it does not erase the criticism generated by the wording of the poster.
Event Was Not Officially Organised by IIT Mandi
The inquiry also found that the Janmashtami programme was not an official IIT Mandi event, was not organised by any recognised student body and did not receive financial support from the institute.
IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera had earlier distanced the institute from the poster, saying it had not been endorsed by IIT Mandi in any manner and stressing that the institute opposed caste-based discrimination.
Sensitisation and Clearer Event Rules Recommended
Instead of recommending punitive action, the committee called for greater campus sensitisation to prevent similar incidents.
It also recommended that IIT Mandi establish a more formal procedure for student-organised events, including clearer approval and oversight mechanisms for programmes and materials displayed on campus.
The episode has renewed debate over how universities and other educational institutions should handle religious or social material that could be interpreted as discriminatory.
Row Had Triggered Widespread Backlash
The poster controversy had drawn criticism from students, activists and social-media users, with several questioning how caste-hierarchy language could appear at a premier technical institution.
IIT Mandi had subsequently ordered an inquiry to determine how the poster was created and displayed and who was responsible.
With the committee now submitting its findings, the focus is likely to shift toward implementing its recommendations on sensitisation and strengthening procedures for future campus events.
source – The Indian Express / IIT Mandi
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