Students protest at Kalakshetra Foundation alleging sexual harassment by four male employees
Chennai:
Around 200 students protested at the Kalakshetra Foundation, a top arts and cultural academy in Chennai, on Thursday, demanding justice for the survivors of alleged sexual assault by four male faculty members.
The students carried placards saying “we want justice” and raised slogans against the administration and the National Commission for Women (NCW), which they accused of dismissing their grievances.
The protest came a day after NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma’s unscheduled visit to the Kalakshetra campus. He met the Director, Revathi Ramachandran and some faculty members.
The girl students say that he asked them to publicly tell about the incidents of sexual harassment in the presence of students and faculty members.
One student said, “He asked one by one, ‘Was you molested, were you molested’. Is this the way to investigate? Their aim is to cover it up.” “This has been going on for years,” said an alumnus of the academy.
On what kind of harassment they faced, a student said, “It’s a sexist message, if we protest we are abused, given low grades and no chance to dance, no matter how good we are.” Don’t be.”
Another said, “So many people have been sexually abused over the years…remember we are talking about 18 or 19 year old girls who don’t dare to complain.”
Ms Sharma had earlier also asked state police chief C Silendra Babu not to pursue the case as the main complainant had denied allegations of sexual harassment during questioning by the institute’s internal complaints committee.
Earlier this week, in a report, the body had claimed that allegations of sexual misconduct by faculty members at Kalakshetra were “disinformation”.
“Anybody involved in any untoward activity will not be spared,” Ms. Ramachandran said. He said those facing charges have been questioned and the board will consider taking action as per law.
The Kalakshetra Foundation, established in 1936 by dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale, is an institute of national importance that offers courses in Bharatanatyam dance, Carnatic music and other traditional arts. It is known for its high standards of excellence and discipline, and has produced many distinguished artists over the decades.
The sexual assault scandal has shaken the institution and its alumni, who have expressed solidarity with the students and their dismay over the handling of the issue. Some prominent artistes, such as singer TM Krishna, have also spoken out against Kalakshetra’s response and demanded a thorough probe.
“As you know, no investigative process will be effective unless the environment is one of care and compassion toward those who make allegations of sexual abuse, in these cases, young students and alumni. When the space is so hierarchical , then no one will speak freely and fearlessly.” ,” Mr Krishna said in a statement.