The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) is facing sharp criticism after its name appeared as a co-sponsor of a controversial academic workshop titled “South Asian Capitalism(s)”, scheduled for September 12–13, 2025, at UC Berkeley.
The poster for the event, jointly presented by UC Berkeley’s Institute for South Asia Studies, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and IIT Bombay, has sparked outrage for its provocative design.
It prominently displays images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with the caption: “WE FOOL YOU.” Notably, the only religious figure depicted is a Hindu monk in saffron robes raising questions about selective targeting.
The workshop is promoted as an exploration of “how capitalist accumulation is socially structured across South Asia,” but the poster includes slogans such as “WE RULE YOU, WE FOOL YOU, WE SHOOT AT YOU” and a pyramid graphic titled “Capitalist India.”
The 3 figures in the We Rule You category seem to be aimed at the punching bags of the leftists – Ambani, Adani.
They also blame the Army in the poster by portraying them under “We Shoot At You”.
Critics allege that the event agenda is designed to push a partisan ideological line, focusing heavily on caste and community dynamics. Observers have also pointed out that IIT Bombay previously co-hosted a conference on political economy with similar undertones, leading to concerns that the institution is increasingly providing academic cover to what some describe as “deep state” narratives against India’s political leadership and business communities.
Questions are now being directed at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with calls for the ministry to explain why a premier taxpayer-funded institute is endorsing what many view as a politically loaded foreign event.
IIT Bombay has not yet issued a public statement clarifying its role in the sponsorship.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
