IIT Madras row: Harvard professor expresses shock at derecognition of student group

CHENNAI: Harvard University professor and president of the International Mathematical Union, David Mumford, has said he was deeply shocked by the 'derecognition’ of a student group - Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle – at IIT Madras.
In a letter to IIT Madras director Bhaskar Ramamurthi, David said, "I believe campuses must allow open discussion of divisive issues even when it offends some people so that all aspects of an issue are out in the open.Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders and one wants them to think deeply about the direction in which we are all headed."
David is a Fields Medal winner (mathematics' top prize) and is one of the most powerful and influential mathematicians.
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"I have strong ideas about the importance of free speech and especially the importance of allowing students to discuss vital and difficult issues that confront society today," David said in the letter.
"I have also become increasingly aware, during my nearly 50 years of visiting India, of the deep social struggles that quite possibly are coming to a head as India takes a central role in the world," he added.
Acknowledging that it is difficult to understand the complexities of local disputes as a foreigner, David said he writes as a long term friend of many distinguished academics in India and especially in Chennai.
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"In addition, I have several times enjoyed the hospitality of IIT-M's guest house and have had the honour of giving a number of talks at your Institute. I am in your and your colleagues' debt for this warm reception," he said.
On a personal note, David said he sees many similarities between India's dalit problems and the African-American problems that have rocked the US since its beginnings. "For this reason, I personally take Dr Ambedkar as one of my heroes," he mentioned in the letter.