Nitasha Kaul, an esteemed professor based in the UK, encountered a distressing series of events upon her arrival at Bengaluru airport, which culminated in her deportation back to London. Her intended visit to India for a conference was curtailed by what she claims were directives issued from the Indian capital.
Invited by the Karnataka government to address an assembly on ‘Constitution and National Unity’ scheduled on the 24th and 25th of February, 2024, Kaul’s participation was eagerly anticipated. However, her outspokenness on ‘democratic and constitutional values’ purportedly led to her barring, an act underscored by previous disapproval of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Expressing her dismay, she posted on social media, highlighting her valid documents including a UK passport and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).
Her ordeal was taxing both physically and mentally—after a 12-hour flight, her time spent at immigration was fraught with confusion and lack of guidance. This was followed by a day-long confinement in a holding cell under constant surveillance, a limited area for rest, and scant amenities, with her appeals for basic comforts like a pillow or blanket rebuffed. Nitasha Kaul, however, stands firm in her convictions, reiterating her respect for and commitment to liberal democratic ideals and equality, while denying any anti-Indian sentiments, positioning herself as anti-authoritarian and a proponent of democracy.
Professor Kaul’s academic credentials are noteworthy. An alumnus of Delhi University and a doctorate holder from the University of Hull, UK, she merges the realms of economics, philosophy, and politics in her scholarly endeavors. Her professorship at the University of Westminster signifies her standing as an intellectual crossing conventional academic barriers and engaging in multidisciplinary dialogues. Her work—ranging from teaching economics to creative writing, from scholarly publications to active participation in human rights advocacy—reflects her eclectic intellectual pursuits and her dedication to fostering liberal values.