Campus Caste Humiliation
A Dalit assistant professor at Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, was forced to sit on the ground on June 20, 2025.
Dr. V. Ravi Varma, the professor, has been employed there under contract for almost 20 years.
On June 19, Associate Dean Ravindra Reddy took his chair out of his office.
Dr. Varma was forced to work while sitting cross-legged on the floor because there was nowhere to sit.
The public was outraged when a picture of him sitting on the floor went viral.
Many said that the conduct was discriminatory against a Dalit professor on the basis of caste.
Despite performing the same work as others, Dr. Varma has endured years of receiving unequal compensation.
Over the years, he had contacted numerous authorities, such as commissions and courts.
Prior to this episode, his long-standing grievances had not been adequately addressed.
A inquiry committee was established by the institution after the picture went viral.
Following the issue, his department then bought a new chair for him.
This instance demonstrates the persistence of caste-based humiliation in Indian academic institutions.
Such incidents may be the consequence of growing caste animosity and upper caste jealousy of Dalits who obtain employment under reservations.
This highlights how such treatment erodes the advancement of social justice and fuels more intense caste-based hostility.
Click Here