New Delhi- A massive controversy has erupted over a poster displayed at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi during Janmashtami celebrations, which described 'Shudras' as being meant to "serve higher classes". Reacting strongly to the incident, Bhim Army Chief and Nagina MP Chandra Shekhar Azad launched a scathing attack on the institute, calling the poster glaring proof of the casteist mindset prevailing in India’s premier educational institutions.

Taking to social media, Azad expressed grave concern over the language used in the poster, stating that it directly violates constitutional values and the principle of social equality. He emphasized that interpreting any religious text to justify the superiority or inferiority of a community by birth is completely unacceptable in modern India.

Focusing on the systemic nature of the issue, Azad highlighted alarming statistics and made key demands to protect marginalized students on campuses:

He pointed out that between 2014 and 2021, 72 students in higher education institutions lost their lives due to caste discrimination.

Calling Out False Narratives: He countered critics by stating that during this same period, there has not been a single proven case where a student's future was ruined by alleged "fake accusations" of caste discrimination.

Appeal to the Supreme Court: Azad urgently appealed to the Supreme Court to lift the current stay on the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2026, paving the way for its immediate and effective implementation.

Demand for Legislation: Tagging the central government, he demanded that these equity regulations be enacted into a binding and effective law to ensure a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free academic environment.

Invoking the architect of the Indian Constitution, Azad stated that in the equal India envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, no one can be designated as "higher" or "born to serve" based on their birth. He concluded his powerful statement by declaring, "In temples of education, doors of equality must open, not walls of caste."

What is the row about?

The controversy stems from a student-led religious event organized at the IIT Mandi campus on September 4. A poster titled "Bhagavad Gita – The Timeless Wisdom" was put up outside the institute's auditorium. The display categorized society into four varnas based on the Gita, listing the duties of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, while explicitly stating that the role of Shudras was to "serve higher classes".

The poster quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage from netizens and alumni who accused the premier tech institute of promoting regressive caste hierarchies.

Facing severe backlash, IIT Mandi Director Prof. Laxmidhar Behera distanced the administration from the display, stating that the poster was not endorsed by the institute in any manner. Behera expressed his "shock" in an email to the campus community, asserting that IIT Mandi strongly condemns any form of caste-based discrimination. The institute has since constituted a formal inquiry committee, which includes faculty members and representatives from SC and OBC categories, to investigate how the controversial material was prepared and permitted on campus.