NIT Calicut Professor, Booked For Praising Nathuram Godse Last Year, Appointed Dean – News18

Last Updated:February 26, 2025, 17:12 IST

Congress leaders have condemned the appointment, claiming it as an “RSS agenda” and have promised agitation until it is reversed.

Dr. Shaija A, a professor at the National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-Calicut) who was facing a police case for praising Nathuram Godse on Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyr’s Day last year, has been appointed Dean of the Planning and Development Department. The appointment, effective March 7, was announced in an official order from the institute’s Director.

What Was The Row All About?

Professor Shaija Andavan of the NIT-C Mechanical Engineering department went under fire for a comment made on social media. On January 30 last year which was the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, advocate Krishna Raj, known for Hindutva views, posted a photo of Nathuram Godse on social media. Raj’s post, written in Malayalam, called Godse, “Hero of many people of Bharat”. Professor Andavan commented on the post, stating, “Proud of Godse for saving India”. The incident, sparked outrage, with many questioning how a professor at a prestigious institution like NIT-C could praise Gandhi’s assassin.

Dr. Shaija, currently a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, had posted “Proud of Godse for saving India” on Facebook last year, reacting to a post calling Godse a “hero”. Though she later deleted the comment, screenshots went viral, prompting police action and called for her dismissal by various political organisations. Dr. Shaija had defended herself stating her comment was not meant to condone Gandhi’s assassination, claiming she was merely highlighting information from Godse’s book.

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was tragically assassinated by Nathuram Godse in Delhi. As Gandhi walked towards a prayer platform at Birla House, Godse approached him and fired three fatal shots from a concealed pistol, striking Gandhi in the chest, stomach, and groin.

Congress Demands Withdrawl of Appointment

Congress has demanded the withdrawal of Dr. Shaija’s appointment as Dean, reported Indian Express. Congress leaders have condemned the appointment, claiming it as an “RSS agenda” and have promised agitation until it is reversed.