Thu Feb 20 15:38:03 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Higher Education Head Criticizes Stifled Debate on Campuses
**Shivamogga, Karnataka – February 20, 2025** – M. Chandra Poojary, chairman of the Karnataka Higher Education Academy, has decried the lack of open dialogue on Indian campuses, blaming universities and educators for the perceived failure of democracy. Speaking at a “Knowledge in Society” convention at Kuvempu University on Thursday, Poojary questioned the ability to freely challenge unsubstantiated claims, citing examples such as the purported benefits of bathing in polluted waters and the promotion of cow urine as a safe beverage.
He argued that a climate of mutual respect is essential for constructive debate, highlighting the absence of intellectual freedom in academia. Poojary further asserted that the presence of individuals with criminal backgrounds in state assemblies and parliament, often elected through expensive campaigns exploiting caste issues, reflected a failure of the educational system. He placed a significant portion of the blame for this on university teachers.
While acknowledging the value of traditional knowledge systems, Poojary cautioned against uncritical romanticisation, advocating for a critical review and engagement with farmers’ traditional practices. He criticized the failure of teachers to initiate dialogue with farming communities. The panel discussion also included contributions from Prof. Krishnamurthy Hanuru, theatre personality K.V. Akshara, Prof. Basavaraj Kalgudi, social activist Du. Saraswathi, Prof. K.Y. Narayanaswamy, and Santhosh Naik.
First Piper 