Professors Sabyasachi Das and Pulapre Balakrishnan have resigned following criticism of Das’ research paper by the Governing Body of Ashoka University. Additionally, 87 faculty members have expressed their support by signing a ‘Letter of Academic Freedom’.
August 18, 2023
Prof. Rudrangshu Mukherjee
Chancellor, Ashoka University
Rajiv Gandhi Educational City
National Capital Region P.O. Rai
Sonepat, Haryana-131029, INDIA
chancellor@ashoka.edu.in
Dear Chancellor Mukherjee,
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is a fifty-year-old independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing to express our concern about the resignation of Professors Sabyasachi Das and Pulapre Balakrishnan, reportedly triggered by the criticism of Das’ research paper by the Governing Body of Ashoka University. It was also reported that this action of the Governing Body was widely protested by the faculty.
Infringement by the university administration upon the right of the faculty to freely publish their research is considered unacceptable by the world scientific community. It should not occur in a democratic country like India. Academic research is evaluated through the process of peer review. Research findings should be debated in open scientific literature, not behind closed doors of the Chancellor’s office.
We trust that you, a renowned historian, and author who held appointments at the most reputed research centers in the world, will side with the faculty of Ashoka University. We urge you to adhere to the principles of academic freedom and reinstate Professors Das and Balakrishnan in their positions.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists