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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Student suicides in universities are often a product of institutional violence. We must take a stand
Ganesh Gaigouria and Vidyasagar Sharma The suicide and death of a 19-year-old woman student in Odisha has brought back the debates around sexual harassment and gender oppression in Indian higher education institutes. This incident adds to a series of cases, where the silencing of women, Dalits, and other marginalised communities has become a practice in these spaces. The case of Rohith Vemula, the suicide of Dr Payal Tadvi, or the rape and murder of a medical student at R G Kar Medical College reveal the repeated failure of institutions to ensure a safe space within universities. Notably, the perpetrators of such violence are, in most cases, a person in authority, be it a faculty member or someone from the dominant caste group. Against this backdrop, we must talk about a space that promotes empathy and solidarity, necessary to live a dignified life. The growing number of student suicides and sexual harassment cases across campuses exposes the deep failure of existing redressal systems in public institutions. For instance, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) appears to be a largely symbolic and dysfunctional body, often prioritising institutional interests over those of the complainants. The SC/ST cells are no better, which are constituted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to safeguard the rights of SC/ST students in educational institutions. N Sukumar, in his book Caste Discrimination and Exclusion in Indian Universities highlighted how SC/ST cells lack autonomy, resources and accountability. Instead of being proactive and taking serious actions against perpetrators, they do nothing more than completing the bureaucratic formalities. The Odisha case illustrates such non-functionality of the ICC or any gender-based grievance redressal structures. We urgently need new institutional measures that reflect the intersectional realities of caste and gender. The demand for the Rohith Act, raised after Rohith Vemula's death, must be revisited with renewed urgency. This Act ensures legal accountability for institutions in cases of caste-based discrimination and suicide, including provisions for time-bound redressal, independent grievance committees, and legal protection for complainants. We also highlight here that the earlier GSCASH (Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment) system at JNU, which was participatory and student-inclusive, may be considered a model for creating effective redressal systems. Unlike ICC, which operates under administrative control and power hierarchies, GSCASH had autonomy and democratic representation. Beyond institutional measures, we need to reimagine educational spaces as grounded in emotional and ethical culture. Institutional measures alone cannot ensure inclusivity and justice unless we are willing to bring a radical shift in civic emotions and ethics. There needs to be a reframing of existing gender and caste sensitisation programmes within a radical perspective, which must go beyond the ritualistic 'ticking off the checkboxes'. Students from marginalised communities must be empowered to speak about their everyday suffering and trauma without the fear of retaliation. This can only happen in spaces that foster courage, solidarity, and radical empathy, not silence and alienation. The institutionalised silencing of marginalised students is embedded in the everyday socio-spatial architecture of caste, gender and systemic violence. Solidarity must become law, beyond mere expressions and feelings. Only then can we restore trust among students. Gaigouria is a Visiting Faculty at the National Law School of Indian University, Bengaluru. Sharma is a research scholar at the Faculty of Sociology, University of Bielefeld, Germany
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Surreal feeling to wear India colours: Jeshua
Jeshua will be the first from the state to be part of the Indian Universities men's basketball team and compete against the best Panaji: Jeshua Antonio Pinto cannot contain his excitement as Goa's top player is set to don the India colours at the FISU World University Games 2025 which begins at the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region of Germany from Saturday. The 23-year-old will be the first from the state to be part of the Indian Universities men's basketball team and will compete against the best student-athletes in the world. 'It was a surreal feeling when I received the India kit,' Jeshua told TOI on a phone call from Germany. 'I understood the responsibility.' With over 10,000 participants from 150+ nations across 18 sports, this edition of the Games is being hailed as one of the largest multi-sport university events ever. Jeshua is currently pursuing his master's at the University of Kota, Rajasthan. His foundation was laid at the Lourdes Convent, Saligao, where mother and coach Helen Pinto polished the rough diamond at Lourdes Basketball Club. The men's basketball team underwent a high-intensity national camp at the Starting Five RSC Basketball Academy, Kochi. Gujarat's Krishnapalsinh Gohil will lead the team which is coached by Dhyan Chand awardee Ram Kumar. 'It was a hectic 15-day camp. There are players from different universities, but we managed to get along fast and built a strong bond. The facilities provided were great,' said Jeshua. India will face a tough challenge in group B, up against traditional powerhouses US, Romania, and Latvia. They will take on the US in the opening game on Saturday, followed by Romania the next day. India face Latvia in their last group match on Monday. 'We know we might be smaller in size than the other teams, but we will beat them in hustle and spirit. Pooled with the US, it will be an extremely tough match. Nevertheless, we will put up a tough fight. Romania and Latvia are comparatively easier but still tough opponents. We play to win each match and will go all out,' said Jeshua. A gold medallist at the Khelo India University Games 2023, a silver at the All-India University 3x3 Basketball Championship 2024, and selection to the Delhi Dribblers for the inaugural INBL U-25 League 2025, Jeshua has kept growing. He is now an inspiration for talented youngsters in the state, proving you can make far in the sport, if you stay focused. The Calangute resident remains grounded and knows he must catch the eye on the world stage. 'I'll get game time for sure, but it's all about the team and the situation. Whether I'm in or out, we must give our complete support to the team. Anything to get the win,' said Jeshua.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Jeshua hopes to take University route to India basketball team
Jeshua Pinto will become one of the first Goans to be included in the Indian Universities men's basketball team that will participate at the FISU World University Games scheduled to be held in Germany from July 16-27 Panaji: While pursuing basketball, Jeshua Antonio Pinto has had to do a lot, starting with changing schools, colleges and universities. The 23-year-olds grit and determination is now paying off as he sets out to make a mark at the world stage. Jeshua will become one of the first Goans to be included in the Indian Universities men's basketball team that will participate at the FISU World University Games scheduled to be held in Germany from July 16-27. And the excitement is understandable. 'I am really happy. Without the presence of God in my life, all this would not have happened. Even if you are talented, you need prayers,' Jeshua told TOI. After completing his schooling at Lourdes Convent in Saligao, the Calangute resident opted to continue his studies at Don Bosco HSS in Panaji, simply because of the basketball facilities. After winning most of the state titles with Don Bosco and three consecutive state titles with Lourdes Basketball Club, Jeshua was recommended to former India player and coach CV Sunny by former Goa Basketball Association president, Fr Ralin de Souza. Sunny saw Jeshua's potential at a two-week training camp in Chennai and recommended him to pursue graduation (BA Sociology) at Loyola College in Chennai which has top-notch facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Promoções imperdíveis de voos baratos Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo Jeshua then joined Jain University in Bengaluru but could not finish his Masters in Economics after being hospitalised due to dehydration caused by excessive travelling for games. With two papers left to be cleared, and lack of playing time, Jeshua was looking for a fresh start. He joined University of Kota during this academic year, where he is pursuing Masters in Economics all over again. Jeshua captained Kota to a silver medal at the All-India University 3x3 Basketball Championship 2024 and was named Most Promising Player. He then took part in the Indian National Basketball League (U-25) and represented Delhi Dribblers early this year. Each University was asked to recommend players for the three-day national trials in Kochi. Kota sent four including Jeshua. There were over 30 players trying to make it to the final list of 12, and Jeshua was delighted to find his name in the final list. 'For the trials, I played pretty well, so I was confident. Once they announced the list of 12, I understood the weightage of it. I worked very hard, it's finally paying off,' said Jeshua. Gold medallist at the Khelo India University Games 2023, Jeshua will join the India University side for a camp next month before travelling to Germany. 'This is a small step towards my main goal which is to play for the senior national team. Coming from Goa where there is no basketball background, I had to put in an extra effort,' Jeshua said. As a child, Jeshua took to football where coaches advised him to pick up a second sport as an option. Not surprisingly, it had to be basketball since his mother, Maria Helena, has been a coach at Lourdes for over two decades. Fifth of six kids, Jeshua started playing basketball at the age of 10 and made such good progress that he was included in the state's U-14 national side the following year. 'I am extremely happy because hard work has paid off,' said his mother, Maria Helena. 'There were times when injury held us back, but Jeshua came back stronger. He is the first Goan boy to achieve this feat and hopefully motivates youngsters. Goa surely has the talent.' While the dream of playing for India is very much alive, Jeshua wants to help Goan players. 'The world's best will be there for these Games. It will be a good place to showcase my talent,' said the six-foot tall Jeshua.
