On August 19th, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai officially banned the Progressive Students Forum (PSF) student organisation. PSF is affiliated with the Left-leaning Students Federation of India (SFI). TISS issued a notice accusing PSF of misleading students and tarnishing the institute’s reputation. This action followed the earlier suspension of Ramadas Prini Sivanandan, a PhD student and PSF member, in April for repeated misconduct and activities deemed anti-national.
The notice, signed by Registrar Professor Anil Sutar, labelled PSF as an “unauthorised and illegal forum” on campus. It alleged that the group had been obstructing the institute’s operations, fostering division among students and faculty, and defaming the institution. The notice stated that PSF was misleading and distracting students from their academic focus and harmonious campus life.
According to a report by OpIndia, TISS warned PSF members of immediate consequences if they participated in any campus events. The institute also urged students to report any interactions with PSF members to campus security, assuring confidentiality in handling such reports. TISS emphasised its commitment to maintaining a safe and collaborative academic environment, warning that any student or faculty member found supporting or associating with PSF’s divisive ideologies would face disciplinary action.
Ramadas Prini Sivanandan
On April 18th, TISS suspended Sivanandan for two years for “repeated misconduct and anti-national activities.” His suspension followed his involvement in a protest against the Centre’s policies. The institute viewed this participation as a violation of discipline.
The suspension also barred him from TISS campuses. A show-cause notice questioned his actions, including screening controversial documentaries and organising unauthorised events. Ramadas, also an SFI member, allegedly used TISS resources for political purposes. The administration claimed such actions damaged the institution’s reputation.
PSF – A History Of Controversy
According to a report by the Indian Express, PSF members were surprised by the timing of the ban. TISS issued the ban minutes before a PSF signature campaign complaining to the TISS Chancellor regarding various issues.
PSF has been involved in several contentious events over the past few years. In January 2023, they screened the banned BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question.” They also protested outside the director’s residence in March 2023 for cancelling a lecture featuring speakers Harsh Mander and Aishe Ghosh.
PSF has also opposed changes to TISS’s admission process, specifically discontinuing its entrance test in favour of CUET results. Social media activity reviewed by OpIndia revealed that PSF has consistently supported the “Palestinian cause” and posted anti-Israel content, including the controversial slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” This post appeared five days after a terrorist attack by Hamas that killed 1,300 Israelis and foreigners.
Additionally, PSF expressed solidarity with Newsclick’s Prabir Purkayastha. Officials arrested Purkayasthan under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for allegedly receiving funds from China for anti-India activities.
PSF and five student organisations issued a statement in April 2024 against TISS’s circular on the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. PSF has been active on campus for over a decade. Several PSF members, including the outgoing vice president, hold positions in the Student Union.
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