Freedom Park in Bengaluru became a rallying ground on November 20 as students and activists protested alleged caste-based discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B). Organized by groups like the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) and the Dr BR Ambedkar Association of Engineers (BANAE), the protest accused the institution of undermining equity and inclusion, demanding the resignation of Director Rishikesha T Krishnan.
The protesters spotlighted glaring underrepresentation only 16 of 110 faculty positions belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, despite constitutional mandates. They called for immediate reforms, including implementing reservation policies and establishing grievance redressal cells for marginalized groups.
Allegations of harassment against faculty supporting diversity added to the concerns, with activists criticizing IIM-B’s failure to address caste-based grievances effectively. Political support from leaders like BS Shivanna and Dhruv Jetti amplified the call for accountability.
The protest echoed one resounding message: “Institutions must uphold their commitment to justice, inclusion, and equality.”
