Mr. Pattabhirama Somayaji, teacher of English who teaches at the University College, Mangalore has been targetted by right wing groups for his consistent remarks against their violence. Now the district-in-charge minister has directed the university to issue notice to him in a bid to dismiss him, for speaking against the "state". This is after his speaking against the pub incident involving Sri Rama Sena in Mangalore last month. A sizeable chunk of students in the Mangalore University College, (about a hundred, led by ABVP), is demanding the removal of Mr. Pattabhirama Somayaji for speaking openly against the recent attack on the pub in Mangalore, and they had observed a forceful bundh of the college. Mr. Somayaji has been a fearless speaker and has been talking truth to power for which he has been consistently targetted in recent times. The latest development is a very dangerous one for Mr. Somayaji, for the autonomy of the University, and needless to say, for larger society.
The pressure on Somayaji is mounting every day and it is exhausting to watch the administration fold instead of protecting a teacher. I am spending my time documenting these threats because we cannot allow them to silence the truth quietly.
February 7, 2009
The pressure on Somayaji is mounting every day and I am exhausted by the constant obstacles placed in our path. We need to reach two hundred and fifty signatures before the administration takes their next move against him. Please send this link to anyone you know who values academic freedom.
Reached 100 supporters
February 4, 2009
February 1, 2009
The pressure on Mr. Somayaji is relentless and I am exhausted by these constant attacks on his livelihood. We need to push past one hundred names now to show that academic freedom has real support. Please send this link to others who understand the danger of staying silent.
6 Comments
D
Deepa Johnston
17 years ago
Featured
What happened to freedom of speech in this country? This is just bullying plain and simple.
S
Sunita Bauer
17 years ago
Featured
The students protesting should be in class learning instead of acting like goons. Shame on the university for even considering this.
R
Rajesh Ingram
17 years ago
Featured
This is a university not a political headquarters. Leave the professor alone. He has every right to speak his mind.
A
Anita Knight
17 years ago
Featured
Academic freedom is dying in Mangalore. So sad to see this happening to such a dedicated teacher.
A
Amit Pearson
17 years ago
Featured
SUPPORT SOMAYAJI SIR! We need teachers who aren't afraid to speak the truth even when it's unpopular.
V
Vikram Frost
17 years ago
Featured
Total nonsense. Let him teach!
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Mr. Pattabhirama Somayaji, teacher of English who teaches at the University College, Mangalore has been targetted by right wing groups for his consistent remarks against their violence. Now the district-in-charge minister has directed the university to issue notice to him in a bid to dismiss him, for speaking against the "state". This is after his speaking against the pub incident involving Sri Rama Sena in Mangalore last month. A sizeable chunk of students in the Mangalore University College, (about a hundred, led by ABVP), is demanding the removal of Mr. Pattabhirama Somayaji for speaking openly against the recent attack on the pub in Mangalore, and they had observed a forceful bundh of the college. Mr. Somayaji has been a fearless speaker and has been talking truth to power for which he has been consistently targetted in recent times. The latest development is a very dangerous one for Mr. Somayaji, for the autonomy of the University, and needless to say, for larger society.
The pressure on Somayaji is mounting every day and it is exhausting to watch the administration fold instead of protecting a teacher. I am spending my time documenting these threats because we cannot allow them to silence the truth quietly.
February 7, 2009
The pressure on Somayaji is mounting every day and I am exhausted by the constant obstacles placed in our path. We need to reach two hundred and fifty signatures before the administration takes their next move against him. Please send this link to anyone you know who values academic freedom.
Reached 100 supporters
February 4, 2009
February 1, 2009
The pressure on Mr. Somayaji is relentless and I am exhausted by these constant attacks on his livelihood. We need to push past one hundred names now to show that academic freedom has real support. Please send this link to others who understand the danger of staying silent.
6 Comments
D
Deepa Johnston
17 years ago
Featured
What happened to freedom of speech in this country? This is just bullying plain and simple.
S
Sunita Bauer
17 years ago
Featured
The students protesting should be in class learning instead of acting like goons. Shame on the university for even considering this.
R
Rajesh Ingram
17 years ago
Featured
This is a university not a political headquarters. Leave the professor alone. He has every right to speak his mind.
A
Anita Knight
17 years ago
Featured
Academic freedom is dying in Mangalore. So sad to see this happening to such a dedicated teacher.
A
Amit Pearson
17 years ago
Featured
SUPPORT SOMAYAJI SIR! We need teachers who aren't afraid to speak the truth even when it's unpopular.
V
Vikram Frost
17 years ago
Featured
Total nonsense. Let him teach!
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Share it with friends to help reach
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What happened to freedom of speech in this country? This is just bullying plain and simple.