Varanasi university dismisses guest lecturer for comments on Navratri fast by women

VARANASI: The Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith administration has dismissed a guest lecturer and banned his entry to the university campus for allegedly making a derogatory comment on Navratra fast by women.

Mithilesh Gautam wrote in a social media post in Hindi, "For women, it is better to read the Constitution of India and the Hindu Code Bill instead of fasting for nine days during Navratra. "Their lives will be free from fear and slavery. Jai Bheem."

Taking cognizance of the post, Registrar Sunita Pandey initiated action against Gautam and said in an office order, "On September 29, students had complained through a letter stating that Dr Mithilesh Kumar Gautam, a guest lecturer in political science department had posted some material on social media, which is against Hindu religion."

Also read | Mangalore University to lose 24 UG colleges to Kodagu University

Pandey cited "widespread resentment" among students against Gautam for the action. "...in view of the university atmosphere getting vitiated and examinations affected, I have been directed that Dr Mithilesh Kumar Gautam be dismissed with immediate effect, and his entry into the university campus be banned in view of security," Pandey said in the order.