By team abhyaspeeth 
Special Correspondent | Pune
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded a ban on inviting Maoist-aligned speakers to the ‘Muktiparv’ event organized at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. In this regard, a written letter has been submitted to Police Deputy Commissioner Himmat Jadhav and IISER Director Dr. Sunil Bhagwat.
The ‘Muktiparv’ event is being organized from April 2 to 14 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. According to ABVP, individuals with alleged involvement in extremist Maoist movements have been invited as speakers for this program. The student group claims that such participation could lead to anti-national, religious, and caste-based commentary, which may disturb public order. ABVP also objected to the exhibition of books by controversial authors planned during the event.
The event is reportedly being organized under the initiative of Professor Suhita Nadkarni and Professor Mayurika Lahiri. Last year’s ‘Muktiparv’ had also sparked controversy due to alleged communal and divisive remarks made by certain speakers, which had drawn objections from several students.
ABVP has urged IISER authorities to verify the background of all invited speakers before granting permission for such programs. In their memorandum, they warned that failure to act may provoke student outrage.
Atharva Kulkarni, ABVP’s West Maharashtra Regional Secretary, stated, “It is unfortunate that individuals accused of involvement in anti-national activities are being invited as speakers and guests at IISER’s ‘Muktiparv’. Inviting radical Maoist and caste-based ideologues is an attempt to tarnish the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Such participation must be restricted to ensure law and order is maintained.”