An assistant professor at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) in West Bengal is at the center of a controversy after videos surfaced showing her engaging in a mock wedding ceremony with a first-year student during a classroom event. The incident has prompted university authorities to initiate an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the event.
Event Details
The professor, Payal Banerjee, who teaches applied psychology at MAKAUT, participated in a staged wedding ceremony with a first-year student. The event, held on January 16, was described as a “psychodrama” exercise, a method often used in psychology to explore individuals’ experiences through guided drama and role-playing. The ceremony included traditional Hindu Bengali wedding rituals and was conducted in the classroom setting.
Professor’s Defense
Banerjee defended the event, stating that it was an academic exercise planned by her students as part of a freshers’ event. She claimed that the students had organized the mock wedding and requested her to play the role of the bride, to which she agreed. Banerjee emphasized that other faculty members were aware of the program and did not object at the time. She expressed concern that the videos were selectively shared to malign her reputation.
University’s Response
In response to the incident, MAKAUT’s interim vice-chancellor, Tapas Chakrabarty, announced the formation of a five-member inquiry panel to investigate the event and the subsequent leaking of the videos. Both Banerjee and the student involved have been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread debate and criticism. Many have questioned the appropriateness of such an event within an academic setting, expressing concerns over the potential implications for professional boundaries between faculty and students. The controversy has also raised discussions about the ethical considerations of teacher-student interactions and the importance of maintaining professionalism in educational institutions.
Conclusion
As the inquiry progresses, the academic community and the public await further details to understand the full context of the event. The incident underscores the need for clear guidelines and ethical standards in educational settings to prevent misunderstandings and maintain the integrity of teacher-student relationships.
