In the pursuit of academic excellence, students often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of challenges, from rigorous research demands to complex interpersonal dynamics. Unfortunately, for many PhD scholars, this journey is marred by instances of sexual harassment and abuse of power at the hands of their supervisors.
The recent case of a PhD student from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, sheds light on the pervasive issue of harassment and the unequal power dynamics within academia.
The student’s harrowing experience, which culminated in a suicide attempt, underscores the vulnerability of research scholars, particularly women, in their interactions with supervisors. Her struggle to reclaim her PhD thesis, combat unwanted advances, and seek justice against her alleged harasser paints a grim picture of the darker side of the mentor-mentee relationship.
What Happened?
The incident that stonewalled the PhD scholar occurred when she confronted her PhD supervisor, Anindya Goswami, about the unauthorized addition of another student’s name to her thesis.
Despite her rightful objection to this academic misconduct, Goswami allegedly dismissed the scholar’s concerns, asserting that he had promised co-authorship to the other student, Srishti Gupta, as a means to advance her academic career.
This confrontation left the student in a state of shock and despair, as she realized that her supervisor’s actions not only undermined her academic integrity but also jeopardized her chances of obtaining her PhD degree.
According to The Print, despite filing a complaint with the ethics committee at IISER-Pune, the resolution provided was inadequate, with the student still compelled to work under Goswami for an additional year to complete her PhD.
“Mathematics was my life. It has been snatched from me. My health is in shambles. I am turning 30, and instead of looking to settle down and start my career, my life and future are plunged into darkness because of one man,” said the scholar.
The Scholar’s Turmoil And Gupta’s Silence
The scholar’s suicide attempt occurred against the backdrop of escalating harassment and academic misconduct she experienced at the hands of her PhD supervisor, Anindya Goswami.
Feeling overwhelmed by the ordeal and the apparent lack of support from her institution, she consumed a bottle of antidepressants in a desperate bid to escape her circumstances. Fortunately, her family intervened in time to rush her to the hospital, where she received medical attention and survived the attempt.
“It felt like the ground beneath my feet was going to swallow me whole,” she said.
Meanwhile, Srishti Gupta, the student whose name was allegedly added to the student’s thesis without her consent, remained conspicuously absent from the unfolding events.
Despite being implicated in academic misconduct, Gupta failed to provide any explanation or defence for her inclusion in the thesis. Her silence further compounded her sense of betrayal and injustice, leaving unanswered questions about the extent of Goswami’s manipulation and the complicity of others involved.
The student stated “He said he had promised Gupta to launch her into academia,” and that “He also said that my mathematical quality was not of any use to him. I am a PhD Maths student, what other ability was he looking for?”
Read More: Is The Suspension Of PhD Scholar From IIT Guwahati Linked To Corruption In The Institute?
Where Does The Student Stand?
Despite facing numerous obstacles, the scholar’s fight for justice against her alleged harasser, Anindya Goswami, has been fraught with challenges at every turn. Initially met with reluctance from both the academic system and law enforcement, her efforts to seek redress were continuously stonewalled.
Despite registering a police complaint in December 2022, critical allegations of sexual harassment were initially omitted from the FIR. It took persistent efforts, including intervention from the Delhi Commission for Women, to ensure that these allegations were included.
However, even then, the police’s readiness to close the case by April 13 raised further concerns about the adequacy of the investigation.
In response to this dire situation, she took decisive action, reaching out to the Delhi Commission for Women for support. Consequently, the police were compelled to include charges of abetment to suicide and online sexual harassment in the FIR, signalling a pivotal development in her case.
Anindya Goswami now faces a litany of charges under various sections of the IT Act, Copyright Act, and the Indian Penal Code, including stalking, criminal intimidation, and abetment to suicide.
Despite these significant strides, her battle is far from over. Hindered by financial constraints and the cessation of her fellowship stipend, she remains at a disadvantage in navigating the legal system.
Additionally, Goswami’s counter-complaint to the institute’s grievance redressal committee adds further complexity to the situation, potentially exposing the student to disciplinary action.
The family’s demand for the formation of a Special Investigation Team reflects their dissatisfaction with the pace and efficacy of the current police investigation. Meanwhile, the scholar finds herself in a precarious position, unable to afford legal representation and struggling to secure employment without her degree.
Other Examples Of Similar Cases
The #phdmetoo movement on X/Twitter has revealed numerous accounts of harassment faced by students at various institutes, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Even prestigious universities like Harvard University in Boston have grappled with allegations of harassment, as evidenced by a case where 38 professors initially defended a colleague accused of misconduct before retracting their support in light of overwhelming evidence.
Despite the prevalence of such incidents, scholars often hesitate to come forward due to a lack of faith in existing redressal mechanisms. Reports from institutions like Aligarh Muslim University and Jawaharlal Nehru University illustrate the challenges faced by victims in seeking justice.
In some cases, internal committees are perceived as biased and ineffective, leading students to turn to external authorities like the police for recourse.
The 2013 SAKSHAM report highlighted the alarmingly low rates of reported sexual harassment on campuses, with many colleges claiming to have never received a single complaint.
Even regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) have faced criticism for their handling of complaints, with little to no action taken on the numerous grievances received.
During the period spanning from April 2020 to March 2021, the UGC received a total of 103 complaints, comprising 52 from universities and 51 from colleges. However, there were no new complaints reported during the subsequent year of 2021-2022.
Despite mandates for the formation of research advisory committees to oversee student progress, many students find these committees to be ineffective due to their composition and lack of independence. Instances of isolation and undue pressure from supervisors have also been reported, further exacerbating the challenges faced by students.
Recent tragedies at institutions like IIT-Madras, where several students died by suicide amid allegations of undue pressure, serve as grim reminders of the toll that academic misconduct can take on students’ mental health. These examples underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address power imbalances and ensure the safety and well-being of students in academic settings.
In conclusion, the harrowing experiences of PhD scholars like the one from IISER Pune shed light on the pervasive issue of harassment and abuse of power within academia.
From menial chores to stolen theses and sexual advances, these scholars face a toxic environment that not only jeopardizes their academic pursuits but also takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. Despite their resilience and determination to seek justice, they are met with numerous obstacles, including reluctance from institutional authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The journey of seeking redress for harassment is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the case of the IISER Pune scholar. Despite filing complaints and seeking intervention from external bodies like the Delhi Commission for Women, the road to justice remains long and arduous.
Financial constraints, cessation of fellowship stipends, and counter-complaints from alleged harassers further complicate the situation, leaving these scholars in a vulnerable position.
Moreover, the prevalence of similar cases across various institutions underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. The #phdmetoo movement on social media has brought to light numerous accounts of harassment, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies must take proactive steps to address power imbalances, strengthen redressal mechanisms, and ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: The Print, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express
Find the blogger: Pragya Damani
This post is tagged under: PhDMeToo, Academic Harassment, Academic Misconduct, Gender Inequality, Institutional Response, Power Dynamics, Student Well-being, Mental Health, Academic Integrity, Regulatory Reforms, Redressal Mechanisms, Gender-based Violence, Research Ethics, Institutional Accountability, MeToo in Academia, Student Rights, Legal Challenges, Academic Support, IISER Pune, Anindya Goswami, Srishti Gupta
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