India: Educator Fired Over 'Vote for Educated' Remark

Facts

• Unacademy, an Indian learning platform, has sacked one of its educators after his classroom video urging students to vote for educated leaders went viral on social media.¹
• Karan Sangwan was reportedly discussing the central government's efforts to overhaul the country's criminal justice system when he allegedly said: "Don't forget, when you vote next time, vote for someone who is well-educated, so you don't have to go through this [ordeal] again."²
• Arguing that he didn't mention any name or party or make any political statement, Sangwan claimed that the e-learning company fired him because of "political pressure."²
• However, Unacademy justified sacking Sangwan, stating that he violated the code of conduct, adding that sharing personal opinions and views in the classroom was in breach of contract.³
• While Sangwan didn't name anyone specific, his beliefs resembled Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's, who has been criticizing PM Narendra Modi over his educational qualifications stating that "an illiterate or less educated Prime Minister is very dangerous for the country."⁴
• After the controversy erupted, Kejriwal threw his weight behind Sangwan, arguing: "This is the era of science and technology. Illiterate public representatives can never build the modern India of the 21st century."⁵

Sources: ¹Hindustan Times, ²India Today, ³APN News, ⁴The Indian Express, and ⁵NDTV.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by OpIndia. Unacademy doesn't allow its educators to share their opinions in the classroom as it can disrupt learning. Sangwan's intentions are questionable because he knew his contract barred him from making political statements, and his so-called advice could influence his students, impede quality education, and block their access to unbiased knowledge. As he was required to remain impartial in the classroom, his termination is self-explanatory, legal, and fair.
• Narrative B, as provided by India Today. Sangwan made a general statement; he was simply trying to guide and educate his students in the right way. However, it was enough for India's political leadership to get offended, misinterpret and misrepresent facts, and sack him. Even if faced with consequences, Sangwan must stand by what he said because asking people to vote for a literate politician is neither a biased opinion nor a crime.
• Narrative C, as provided by The Hindu. Modi's relentless suppression of dissent first impacted press freedom and has now reached the classrooms. Sangwan was punished for exercising his democratic right to express his opinion. His archaic sacking is a sad attempt to influence young minds and eliminate criticisms of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Predictions