Public Universities at a Crossroads: Rethinking Purpose, Crisis and the Pathways Ahead - Dec. 5, 6pm скачать в хорошем качестве

Public Universities at a Crossroads: Rethinking Purpose, Crisis and the Pathways Ahead - Dec. 5, 6pm

Welcome to a CSMCH-Alumni Association's inaugural Webinar on "Public Universities at a crossroads: Rethinking Purpose, Crisis and the Pathways Ahead." The Speakers are Prof. Satish Deshpande and Adv. Lara Jesani. The public university has long stood as a space of democratization within an otherwise segregated Indian society. It has played a pivotal role in extending educational opportunities to individuals from marginalized social and economic backgrounds. However, recent developments indicate a systematic attack on these institutions—an attack that demands careful attention and critical discussion. Institutional shifts, regulatory pressures, and the shrinking of intellectual and dissenting spaces have collectively undermined the democratic imagination of higher education. Universities, once envisioned as sanctuaries of free thought and inquiry, now face challenges that threaten their very essence. These include curbs on freedom of speech, restrictions on academic freedom, and the increasing introduction of self-financed courses that erode accessibility and equity. The current moment, therefore, calls for a deep reflection on the relevance, challenges, and future of public universities in India. This webinar seeks to collectively deliberate on how these institutions can reclaim their democratic and transformative potential.