Unacademy, one of India's leading edtech platforms, has come under fire for terminating the contract of one of its teachers, Karan Sangwan, who allegedly violated the company's code of conduct by expressing his political views during an online session. Sangwan, who taught law subjects, had urged his students to vote for educated candidates and not for those who only change names, apparently referring to the recent renaming of several places by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
What did Sangwan say?
In a video that went viral on social media, Sangwan can be seen lamenting that he had to change his notes and work owing to the three bills introduced by the Union government to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. He then says, "Vote for educated candidates and not for those who only change names. If you vote for them, then you will have to study new laws every year. And if you don't vote for them, then you will have to study the same laws for 10 years."
How did Unacademy react?
Unacademy co-founder Roman Saini announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the company was parting ways with Sangwan, citing a breach of the "Code of Conduct". He wrote, "We at Unacademy do not tolerate any violation of our Code of Conduct. We have zero tolerance policy towards any biased or political views expressed by any educator associated with us. We have terminated our contract with Karan Sangwan with immediate effect."
Who came out in support of Sangwan?
Sangwan's comments sparked a debate on social media, with many users accusing him of "pushing political propaganda in the name of education" and supporting Unacademy's decision. However, some also defended him and criticised Unacademy for suppressing his freedom of expression and opinion. Among them were prominent politicians like Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national chief Arvind Kejriwal and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi.
Kejriwal questioned whether it was a crime to advise students to vote for an educated leader. He wrote on X, "Is it a crime to appeal to educated people to vote? If someone is illiterate, personally I respect him. But people's representatives cannot be illiterate. This is the era of science and technology. Illiterate public representatives can never build the modern India of 21st century."
Chaturvedi also lashed out at Unacademy for sacking Sangwan and described the move as "shame" as his opinion would "positively influence young minds". She wrote on X, "How does saying vote for literate politicians a biased opinion? Doesn't that opinion positively influence young minds? Shame if merely expressing this view gets you to take someone's job, Unacademy." She also added, "Don't understand why everyone felt Karan Sangwan, the professor's opinion on educated leaders was about Mr. Supreme. Repeat of Kajol level trolling, but here it cost him his job."
What is Sangwan's response?
Sangwan has not issued any official statement on the matter yet. However, he announced on his YouTube channel that he would talk about the controversy on Friday (August 19). He also thanked his supporters and asked them not to abuse anyone.
Source:
(1) Kejriwal, Priyanka Chaturvedi slams Unacademy for sacking teacher over .... https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/arvind-kejriwal-priyanka-chaturvedi-slams-unacademy-for-sacking-educator-over-vote-for-educated-remark-11692352704495.html.
(2) ‘Kajol level trolling…’: Priyanka Chaturvedi after Unacademy educator .... https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-kerjiwal-lashes-out-at-unacademy-after-co-founder-roman-saini-sacked-educator-karan-sangwan-101692330770343.html.
(3) What Kejriwal Said On Unacademy Teacher’s Firing Over ‘Illiterate .... https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/times-now/india/what-kejriwal-said-on-unacademy-teachers-firing-over-illiterate-leader-remark-video-102841411.
(4) Unacademy Teacher Sacked for Asking Students to Vote Educated ... - News18. https://www.news18.com/education-career/unacademy-teacher-sacked-for-asking-students-to-vote-educated-candidates-kejriwal-asks-is-it-a-crime-8540511.html.
