Preetham Adiga

 Prestigious research institutes are supposed to be places where ideas grow—spaces where scholars are encouraged to question, experiment, and contribute to knowledge without fear. That is the image universities proudly present, especially those connected to institutions recognized under the Institutes of Eminence Scheme . When I began my PhD in a reputed media institute that forms part of such a university, I believed in that promise. I expected intellectual freedom, mentorship, and the opportunity to pursue meaningful research questions. What I encountered instead was an environment where hierarchy and administrative power often seemed to override academic judgment. This is my personal experience of navigating that system. A Supportive Guide in a Difficult System To be fair, my own research guide was supportive throughout much of my doctoral journey. He encouraged my research interests and tried to help me navigate the institutional requirements. However, the difficulty I e...

Universities are supposed to be places where truth can be spoken without fear. They claim to nurture critical thinking, intellectual freedom, and ethical responsibility. When an institution is granted the prestigious label of an Institute of Eminence , the expectation is even higher: that it represents the best values of academia. My experience as a PhD scholar within such an institution forced me to confront a painful contradiction between those ideals and the reality I encountered. This blog is not written out of bitterness alone. It is written because silence protects systems that harm the very people who keep them running. Witnessing the Treatment of the Most Vulnerable One of the earliest incidents that disturbed me deeply involved retired housekeeping staff. These were individuals who had spent years serving the institution quietly and faithfully. What I witnessed during certain interactions involving them left me uncomfortable and troubled. The tone and manner in which they were...