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- Published: August 17, 2023 21:10
New Delhi: Ed-Tech giant Unacademy has taken a decision to terminate a teacher from its platform following a viral video that urged students to vote for educated political leaders.
The video sparked a heated debate, with some interpreting the message as targeting specific individuals, leading to pressure on the company from certain quarters. This incident underscores the challenges faced by online education platforms in navigating socio-political sensitivities.
The video, which garnered widespread attention on social media, featured the teacher advising students to choose literate and knowledgeable candidates in upcoming elections. While the teacher refrained from mentioning any specific names, some supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) interpreted the message as a veiled criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This interpretation prompted a reaction, leading to Unacademy’s decision to terminate the teacher’s association with the platform.
.@unacademy forced a faculty to step down because he asked the students to vote for an educated leader.
How weird things can get in India under Narendra Modi #UninstallUnacademy pic.twitter.com/AYyt16alIC
— Kapil (@kapsology) August 17, 2023
X user Shantanu highlighted the unfolding events, stating, “This teacher urged his students to vote for an educated leader, he didn’t take anyone’s name. BJP supporters assumed that he was targeting Modi and they made pressure on Unacademy. Now he has lost his job.”
This teacher urged his students to vote for an educated leader, he didn’t take anyone’s name.
BJP supporters assumed that he was targeting Modi and they made pressure on the Unacademy.
Now he has lost his job. pic.twitter.com/f7olZ3Rr7d
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) August 17, 2023
The video’s content stirred discussions around the importance of educated leaders in the political sphere. The teacher advocated for the election of individuals who possess a deep understanding of governance issues. He urged students to exercise their voting rights thoughtfully and choose representatives who could contribute effectively to the nation’s development.
Notably, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, voiced his thoughts on the matter. He expressed his perspective on the necessity of having knowledgeable representatives in contemporary times marked by technological advancements. Kejriwal remarked, “Is it a crime to appeal to people to vote for educated politicians? 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 the 21st century.”
क्या पढ़े लिखे लोगों को वोट देने की अपील करना अपराध है? यदि कोई अनपढ़ है, व्यक्तिगत तौर पर मैं उसका सम्मान करता हूँ। लेकिन जनप्रतिनिधि अनपढ़ नहीं हो सकते। ये साइंस और टेक्नोलॉजी का ज़माना है। 21वीं सदी के आधुनिक भारत का निर्माण अनपढ़ जनप्रतिनिधि कभी नहीं कर सकते। https://t.co/YPX4OCoRoZ
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 17, 2023
The controversy surrounding the video has led to divided opinions among the public. Dr. Prachi Sadhvi, a member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, tweeted her support for Unacademy’s action, stating, “No Need To #UninstallUnacademy Great Work By @unacademy. Unacademy Fired Anti-Nationalist Teacher.”
No Need To #UninstallUnacademy
Great Work By @unacademy
Unacadmdy Fired Anti Nationalist Teacher .
सराहनीय फैसला 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IbYT6IjlCY
— Dr. Prachi Sadhvi (@Sadhvi_prachi) August 17, 2023
Karan Sangwan has been reportedly fired by @unacademy just for asking students to vote for an educated leader. He did not even name anyone but Unacademy understood who he was talking about.
Shame on you @unacademy , absolute shame. pic.twitter.com/KDkbglyNIJ
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) August 17, 2023