The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has found itself at the center of a political and ideological storm following its involvement in an international academic event titled South Asian Capitalism(s).
The controversy erupted over a poster promoting the workshop, which critics allege portrayed Indian political leaders and national institutions in a negative, even anti-national light.
The two-day academic workshop, held in collaboration with the Institute for South Asia Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, was advertised as “a two-day workshop exploring how capitalist accumulation is socially structured across South Asia.”
However, it was the poster accompanying the event that drew intense scrutiny on social media and from political commentators.
The artwork depicted a pyramid labelled the “Pyramid of Capitalist India,” a visual critique of the socioeconomic hierarchy in the country.
At the top of the pyramid were elites, business tycoons, dressed in black suits. Just below them were leading Indian political figures—Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath—with the caption, “WE FOOL YOU.”
Below the political tier was the Indian Army, accompanied by the caption, “WE SHOOT YOU.”
The lower tiers of the pyramid featured common citizens, workers, and farmers, underlined with the captions, “WE WORK FOR ALL” and “WE FEED ALL.”
Adding to the outrage, a saffron-robed Hindu monk was also depicted in the illustration, while religious figures from other communities—such as Maulanas or Christian priests—were notably absent.
The composition was perceived by many as selectively targeting Hindu leaders and symbols, triggering allegations of religious bias and political partisanship.
The backlash was swift and sharp. Several users on X (formerly Twitter) condemned IIT Bombay for associating itself with what they called “toxic leftist propaganda.”
One user wrote, “How could a govt educational institution abuse the govt in this way?” Tagging Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the institute’s official handle, the user further added, “Do you have an explanation for such lumpen behaviour? The money they are spending to sponsor such narcissistic event is our tax money and we demand an explanation.”
Another user questioned the ideological leanings of IITs, writing, “What’s the need for these toxic events in our IITs? Left is trying to capture our prestigious institutes now. PMO of India should order to remove all humanities courses from IITs.”
One particularly incendiary comment claimed, “Bangladesh sponsored psy op. Look at the sponsors listed at the bottom—these morons have no awareness to even be anonymous in their propaganda unlike the US. Similar to their nation, all else will fail too. Wouldn’t be surprised if Congress attends.”
The controversy also rekindled a long-standing debate about academic freedom and the responsibilities of publicly funded institutions.
Critics argued that IIT Bombay, as a premier institute heavily subsidised by the Indian taxpayer, should not play host to events that may promote anti-government or anti-national sentiments.
Some pointed out that a significant number of IIT graduates eventually migrate abroad, raising questions over public investment in students who may not contribute directly to the nation.
This is not the first time IIT Bombay has come under the scanner for alleged ideological bias.
In a previous instance, the Dean of Student Affairs had issued a notification warning students against participating in “anti-national, anti-social and/or any other undesirable activities.” While the institute later clarified that it supported peaceful expression of opinion in an individual capacity, it maintained that students must adhere to “standard and existing hostel rules.”
Amid the ongoing storm, Professor Suryakant Waghmore, a faculty member in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, has also found himself embroiled in controversy.
On June 12, 2025, IIT-B issued a formal show-cause notice to Professor Waghmore for publishing a politically charged op-ed in the Times of India without obtaining prior clearance from the institute, as required under Schedule B, Paragraph 5(ii) of IIT-B’s code of conduct. The article, titled “Mumbai’s Big Cash Polls”, focused on the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and included Waghmore’s official academic designation.
Instead of responding formally to the administration, Professor Waghmore posted the show-cause notice on social media, captioning it: “Another struggle for reforming the IIT system begins!”
Waghmore, who is an Associate Professor of Sociology, is known for his critical research on caste, social exclusion, and Hinduism. According to his faculty bio, his work is grounded in ethnography and qualitative research methods.
“My research has encompassed a mixed method approach to study social exclusion, politics at margins, policy processes and state-civil society relations. For instance while studying caste, I have focused on aspects of emotions – humour and anger to theorise caste better. This has helped me frame broader theoretical arguments on vernacular modernity in Indian subcontinent,” it reads.
The administration has yet to make a formal public statement on the poster controversy, but insiders suggest that discussions are underway at the highest levels of IIT Bombay and the Ministry of Education.
