A viral video showing a senior female professor and a first-year student performing a Hindu wedding ritual in the classroom has sparked outrage.
The footage, which went viral, is from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) in West Bengal. It showed the professor—dressed as a bride—and the student exchanging garlands and applying sindoor (vermilion), key customs of a traditional Hindu wedding.
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As the videos circulated on social media, outrage grew, with many questioning the appropriateness of such an act inside a university. According to PTI, the university administration quickly stepped in, forming a three-member inquiry panel to investigate the matter. Officials confirmed that the professor had been asked to go on leave until the probe was completed. The student involved has also been advised to stay away from classes for now.
The professor, in her defence, told university authorities that the act was part of a psycho-drama demonstration for her class. She insisted there was no misconduct or immoral intent behind it. According to her, the videos were meant for internal documentation but were leaked to tarnish the reputation of the Psychology Department.
PTI quoted MAKAUT’s officiating vice-chancellor Tapas Chakraborty acknowledging the professor’s explanation but said that, given the public reaction, the university had to take action. “She has clarified that it was an academic project and not meant for external circulation,” he said. “However, since the videos have gone viral and created a controversy, we have asked her to proceed on leave until the committee submits its report.”
The inquiry committee consists of three female faculty members from different departments. Their findings will determine whether the professor’s actions were purely academic or if any disciplinary action is needed.