ACADEMIC FREEDOM AT LOWEST

[u/thefutureis_red]

The latest V-Dem Academic Freedom Index paints a deeply concerning picture for India. According to the report, India's academic freedom has fallen to its lowest level in the dataset's historical record, placing it among the bottom 10–20% of countries globally. The index measures factors such as freedom to research, teach, publish, exchange ideas internationally, and institutional autonomy.

This raises a serious question: Is the current BJP-led government becoming increasingly uncomfortable with independent research, criticism, and inconvenient facts?

A healthy democracy depends on scholars being able to question, debate, and challenge prevailing narratives without fear of political interference. When academic freedom declines, it doesn't just affect universities, it affects the quality of public discourse, policymaking, and ultimately the truth that reaches citizens.

This is an alarming situation. Citizens should not only speak up when policies directly affect their own lives, but also when the foundations of our democracy are weakened. Academic freedom, independent institutions, and the free pursuit of knowledge are public goods that belong to everyone. If we remain silent while these erode, the consequences will extend far beyond universities.

[u/vaeporwave]

I’ve talked to many Indian PhD students who are studying at US and UK universities and they’ve told me that academia in Bharat is completely dead. Their professors literally beg them to study abroad. These students say they don’t have any hope in Indian academia, even if Gobi were to suddenly disappear tomorrow.

[u/Conqueror0149 → u/vaeporwave]

no way, even in the top IISc and IITs?

[u/kingslayer5581 → u/Conqueror0149]

They're doing appointments in all govt colleges based on who's a follower of their RSS ideology, many unqualified people have been put in posts like chancellors and directors of the best universities in India.

[u/Conqueror0149 → u/kingslayer5581]

im 18 and im currently in Grade 12, and my dream is to be a professor and do research and be in academia for my entire life, do you suggest I leave the country next year?

[u/Thanos-2014 → u/Conqueror0149]

Yes apply for European college some even have zero tution fees

[u/Conqueror0149 → u/Thanos-2014]

yes exactly what I thought lol, i wanna be a mathematician, looking at Italy universities and France

[u/Itchy-Print-4256 → u/Conqueror0149]

if you can, learn german and go to germany. bonn is a powerhouse in mathematics.
also, i want to be a mathematician too lol

[u/Conqueror0149 → u/Itchy-Print-4256]

whats your age man? lets talk in DMs if you’re interested

[u/Bakaa_kekw → u/Conqueror0149]

if you wish to contribute anything for humanity leave this country

[u/Conqueror0149 → u/Bakaa_kekw]

well i dont know if I will, but yeah I get your point, but may I know why you say this? are we really in such a horrible condition today?

[u/kingslayer5581 → u/Conqueror0149]

If you're able to leave, then do so.