PMO reviews Ambedkarite writings in university curricula after anonymous post calls them ’poison’
The Indian Higher Education Department is reviewing university curricula following a PMO inquiry triggered by an anonymous social media post. The post labeled academic works by figures like B.R. Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule as 'poison' and accused universities of leftist indoctrination.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing tensions regarding academic freedom and the influence of political ideology on educational content in India.
Works of prominent intellectuals and academics recommended as readings in several higher learning institutions are under the scanner of the Higher Education Department, following an enquiry by the Prime Minister’s Office, which was triggered by an anonymous social media post terming these works ‘poison’. The authors/editors of the works include B.R.Ambedkar, Jyoti Rao Phule, Gail Omvedt, Braj Ranjan Mani, and Sharmila Rege, among others.
An urgent online missive from the department to all the central universities on Sunday (September 27, 2026) referred to communication received from the PMO regarding the post and sought their ‘comments’. Further, the email sought details about enrolment in the courses mentioned in the post.
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