Pune: Modern College Principal Nivedita Ekbote Refutes Prakash Ambedkar’s Allegations Of Caste Discrimination
Pune: Modern College Principal Nivedita Ekbote Refutes Prakash Ambedkar’s Allegations Of Caste Discrimination
Pune, October 17, 2025: Dr. Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, Principal of Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune, issued a statement on Friday rejecting allegations of caste-based discrimination made by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar.
Ambedkar had claimed that a man named Prem Birhade lost his job opportunity at Heathrow Airport in London after Modern College allegedly refused to verify his academic credentials because he belonged to a Dalit community.
In a detailed two-page statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Ekbote clarified that Birhade, who completed his BBA degree between June 2020 and January 2024, had been making “false, misleading, and defamatory statements” against the college, its staff, and the principal.
“The student completed his education before my tenure as principal, and I have never personally known or taught him. The college has already issued him three Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and one Bonafide Certificate in the past, fulfilling all his academic documentation requirements,” she said.
Dr. Ekbote explained that Birhade had recently approached the college seeking another Education Reference for employment purposes, but the request was denied due to his unsatisfactory conduct and disciplinary record, as per college policy.
Following the refusal, Birhade allegedly began circulating defamatory videos on social media accusing the college and staff — including Vice-Principal Dr. Anjali Sardesai and Prof. Lawly Das (Head, BBA Department) — of caste discrimination.
Dr. Ekbote categorically denied the allegations, asserting, “No instance of caste-based discrimination has ever occurred. Neither the college nor any staff member has ever raised or discussed his caste identity at any time. The institution upholds the highest standards of equality, inclusivity, and respect for all communities.”
She further expressed her admiration for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating, “His ideals of equality, education, and social justice have profoundly influenced my personal and professional journey. It is because of the empowering constitutional framework envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar that I proudly serve as the principal of this institution.”
The principal concluded that the college’s decision was “based purely on institutional norms, disciplinary considerations, and professional ethics,” and bore no connection to the student’s social or community background.
Meanwhile today Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan staged a Protest in Pune Against Alleged Caste Bias at Modern College. The Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan, affiliated with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), held a protest in Pune against the alleged caste-based and unjust practices by the administration of Modern College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Shivaji Nagar.
The student organisation has demanded immediate justice for Prem Birhade, who, according to VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, was denied verification of his academic credentials by Modern College due to his Dalit identity, leading to the loss of his job opportunity in London.
In its public appeal, the Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan called for strict action against the college administration and trustees, and urged authorities to implement strong measures to eliminate caste discrimination within educational institutions.
The protest was held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM outside Modern College, Shivaji Nagar.
Reiterating its commitment to social equality, the group declared, “Equality in education and justice for students — this is our struggle.”
