Dalit Professor at Indian varsity forced to sit on floor after chair removed
June 26, 2025In an incident of utter caste-based discrimination in Andhra Pradesh, India, a Dalit assistant professor at a university in Tirupati had to face humilation after his office chair was removed, forcing him to work on the floor.
Dr Ravi, who holds a faculty position at the SV Veterinary University’s Dairy Technology College, claimed that Associate Dean Ravindra Reddy ordered the removal of the chair during a visit to his department. He said when he returned to his office on Friday after a day’s leave, he found his chair missing.
Viral images show Dr Ravi sitting on the floor, working on a computer with documents spread around him. The incident has sparked sharp criticism online, with many users condemning it as an example of the country’s deep-rooted caste discrimination. They called the incident “ridiculous” and “disgusting”.
The ruling YSR Congress Party criticised Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of remaining silent on the alleged humiliation of a Dalit professor. “Why is he just watching without taking action?” a party spokesperson asked.
The incident has renewed debate about caste inequality in educational institutions and the treatment of Dalit faculty and students in the country’s universities.
Dalits face widespread discrimination and marginalization, often being denied access to basic rights and opportunities. They are frequently subjected to social exclusion, verbal abuse, and physical violence, with many being forced to live in segregated communities.
