Cancellation of Lecture by Feminist Historian Raises Concerns at Mumbai University

Controversy Surrounds Cancelled Lecture at Women's University

The Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University in Mumbai has called off its 16th Neera Desai Memorial Lecture, which was set to feature feminist historian and activist Uma Chakravarti on March 14, according to reports.

Ujwala Chakradeo, the university's Vice Chancellor, stated she was unaware of the event's details. However, Putul Sathe, a faculty member, mentioned that the cancellation was due to 'technical reasons.'

The lecture was organized by the university's Research Centre for Women in partnership with the Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad. The announcement for the event was made just days prior.

Chakravarti, known for her contributions to gender, caste, and social history, was expected to present a talk titled 'A Feminist Looks Back: Four Decades of a Long March.' Additionally, a film directed by her, Voh Subah Hami Se Aayegi, was also planned for screening.

The university faced backlash on social media for initially inviting Chakravarti. In response to the cancellation, she expressed her surprise that a women's university would hesitate to host an event organized by its own women's studies center.

Kunda PN, a member of the Maharashtra Stree Mukti Parishad, noted that no formal explanation was provided for the cancellation. She highlighted that Chakravarti has been vocal against Brahmanical Patriarchy and the caste system, which may have influenced the decision.

This incident follows a recent cancellation of a book discussion featuring activist Anand Teltumbde at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which was also halted by police orders. Participants were instructed to remove social media posts related to the event.

Additionally, a poetry reading session with actor Naseeruddin Shah was cancelled shortly before it was set to occur, with Shah claiming he was disinvited at the last moment.