Professor Kanak Sarkar won't be allowed to teach anymore at Jadavpur University.
Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar who had made controversial remarks in a Facebook post has been divested of his duties with immediate effect, according to a notice issued by the Department of International Relations of the university.
Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar who made controversial remarks in a Facebook post has been divested of his duties with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/OlmdshSSUI
— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019
The professor at Kolkata's premier Jadavpur University (JU) has stoked a major controversy by making comments on the virginity of women on Facebook and later defending his remarks.
International Relations' professor Kanak Sarkar has likened a woman's virginity to a "sealed bottle" or "packet" in a Facebook post on Sunday, triggering a furore on social media and academic circles.
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1. Kanak Sarkar 'can't teach'
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Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar who had made controversial remarks in a Facebook post has been divested of his duties with immediate effect, according a notice issued by the Department of International Relations of the university.
As students and teachers of Jadavpur University (JU) and a large section of people across Bengal fumed at the professor for his social media post comparing a “virgin girl” to “sealed bottle or sealed packet,” the vice chancellor on Tuesday had promised stringent action.
2. JU Vice Chancellor condemns the comments
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JU Vice Chancellor Suranjan Das condemned the comments and assured that departmental action in accordance with the law would be taken. NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to West Bengal police seeking action against Sarkar under the Indian Penal Code.
Ironically, the accused professor Sarkar specialises in political sociology, political thought, human rights and law, constitution and government, development administration, ethnicity and terrorism.
3. The comments that created controversy
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In a Facebook post, now deleted, professor Kanak Chandra Sarkar had said, “A girl is born sealed from birth until it is opened. To most boys, virgin wife is like angel.” Though he was quick to delete the post, screenshots of it went viral.
The professor, in his post, wrote: "Are you willing to buy a broken seal while purchasing a bottle of cold drink or a packet of biscuits? It is the same case with your wife.
"A girl is biologically sealed from birth until it is opened. A virgin girl means many things accompanied as values, culture, sexual hygiene. To most boys, virgin wife is like angel."
4. Protests from students
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Students' unions had submitted memorandums to JU Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das, demanding strict action against Sarkar.
A student of his department alleged that Sarkar made similar "sexist comments" on social media in the past as well. "During classes, he had created an uncomfortable situation for woman students. We don't feel secure in his presence in the department," she said.
5. Intended for 'fun'
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Facing criticism from all quarters, a defiant Sarkar had appeared to justify his comments, asserting it was intended for "fun" among a social media group of friends and "not for public consumption".
"Someone took a screenshot of the post and forwarded it, which triggered the response. I did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiment or insult any woman," he said. He also said according to a Supreme Court order every individual is entitled to express his opinion.
