A number of STEM researchers and academics have provided support, openly expressing solidarity with Deepa P Mohanan, a PhD student at Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala. Deepa has been on a hunger strike against the university and its administration since October 30, alleging caste discrimination.

“As scientists, administrators, science editors, communicators, journalists, artists and others in the Indian scientific ecosystem who are committed to a just and inclusive scientific community, we know that castism has made the climate of scientific research hostile to Dalit, Adivasi, Bahujan and / or Muslim scientists. By supporting Deepa and condemning the blatant casteism she has faced, we also recognize that our community has let down the Dalits and other marginalized academics in general, “the statement read. Deepa specifically called for the removal of Dr Nandakumar Kalarikkal from the post of Director of the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at MGU.

“We have not held individuals and institutions responsible for the deep-rooted casteism in the Indian scientific establishment, as evidenced by the severe under-representation of Bahujan scholars in academic science at the faculty level and the endemic and uncontrolled damage committed by faculty members of the oppressor caste and peers to Bahujan academics who work in our scientific fields, “the statement read. While Deepa was hospitalized a few days ago, she says she has multiple health problems, including anemia.