IIT Mandi investigates ‘Shudras serve higher classes’ poster; director says students misinterpreted

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has launched an investigation into a controversial Bhagavad Gita-themed poster displayed on its campus, which claimed that Shudras should serve higher classes. The poster was part of a student-led event during the Janmashtami celebrations on September 4th. IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera, who has a long-standing association with teaching the Bhagavad Gita and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), stated that he had instituted an enquiry committee to investigate the matter and assured that the institute would stand against any form of caste discrimination.

Behera emphasized that the poster was not endorsed by the institute and that he had fought against caste-based discrimination throughout his career. The poster, titled "Bhagavad Gita - The Timeless Wisdom," divided society into four classes - Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras - and described their respective roles according to the Bhagavad Gita.

Behera and the institute firmly condemned the display of the poster, which allegedly perpetuated caste discrimination, and urged the campus community to stand together against such biases.