India’s universities: Liberal in label, authoritarian at heart

Recent student protests at a prominent private university near Delhi—sparked by the installation of scanners and metal detectors deemed intrusive—have reignited a crucial debate on the state of liberal education in India. While university administrations often justify such measures as necessary for safety and discipline, they risk fostering mistrust and undermining the intellectual freedom central to liberal education. This incident raises broader questions about the authenticity of universities branding themselves as “liberal” and their alignment with the true essence of liberal education—a philosophy that remains widely misunderstood in India, often reduced to a buzzword rather than embraced as a transformative ideal.

The word “university,” derived from the Latin universitas, signifies a “whole”—a community dedicated to cultivating diverse knowledge through collaboration between teachers and learners. Historically, universities have been envisioned as spaces for enlightenment and intellectual liberation. They were not merely training grounds for careers but sanctuaries for self-discovery, debate, and the fearless pursuit of truth. Thinkers like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s former president and a renowned philosopher, echoed this vision, describing universities as “nurseries of youthful courage and excitement.” Yet, the reality of Indian universities today often diverges sharply from this ideal. Bureaucratic stagnation, rote learning, and a culture that discourages dissent have stifled intellectual curiosity and critical thought, leaving little room for the spirit of liberal education to thrive.

The emergence of universities in India claiming to offer liberal education initially seemed promising. However, many of these institutions have fallen short, revealing deep contradictions. One significant issue is the conflation of “liberal arts” and “liberal education.” While liberal arts focuses on the study of disciplines like literature, philosophy, and history, liberal education transcends disciplinary boundaries. It is not just about what is studied but how knowledge is engaged with. Liberal arts education is very different from merely offering liberal arts programmes. At its core, liberal education fosters critical thinking, open inquiry, and the courage to challenge assumptions. Unfortunately, many Indian universities branding themselves as “liberal” undermine these principles through surveillance, rigid norms, and the suppression of dissent. Such measures erode the trust and openness essential to a genuinely liberal environment. Moreover, the assumption that hiring faculty educated at liberal universities abroad will inherently help nurture a liberal university environment on Indian campuses is misguided.

For many higher educational institutions, the term “liberal” serves more as a marketing tool than a commitment to intellectual freedom. In a competitive education market, adopting the label “liberal” may attract students and parents seeking a modern, progressive education. However, without meaningful cultural shifts, these institutions remain bound by traditional hierarchies, standardised assessments, and a results-oriented mindset that prioritises reputation over student growth. A truly liberal university would stress curiosity, encourage intellectual risk-taking, and nurture an environment where students feel free to challenge norms and engage in meaningful dialogue. Yet, many so-called liberal institutions fail to move beyond superficial branding.

This challenge is not unique to India. Even globally renowned institutions like Harvard have faced criticism for compromising their liberal ideals under external pressures. A recent viral video of a Harvard graduate criticising the university for failing to uphold its principles highlights the universal tension between lofty ideals and practical constraints. However, throughout history, great educators and philosophers have articulated the essence of liberal education. Socrates urged us to “question everything,” Confucius emphasised moral growth and societal harmony, and Rabindranath Tagore championed creative freedom and interconnectedness. These thinkers remind us that liberal education is not defined by curricula or marketing rhetoric but by a culture that values curiosity, independence, and the courage to question authority.

Against this backdrop, the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) proposal to appoint non-academicians as vice chancellors adds another layer of complexity. While strategic planning and corporate practices can bring value, prioritising efficiency over intellectual exploration risks turning universities into corporate entities. Regardless of background, university leadership must uphold academic freedom and critical inquiry. Universities are not merely institutions but spaces for dialogue, dissent, and intellectual growth. For Indian universities to truly embody liberal education, they must move beyond superficial branding and embrace meaningful reform. Data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 reveals that only 1.5% of Indian universities even offer interdisciplinary liberal arts programmes, highlighting the limited scope and reach of a possibility toward liberal education. Naturally, therefore, a 2022 study by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) found that 68% of students feel discouraged from expressing dissenting opinions, citing fear of administrative backlash. 

The path forward requires reimagining universities as spaces for intellectual liberation. This includes decentralising administrative control, encouraging student-led initiatives, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Universities must not be viewed as factories producing graduates but as incubators of thoughtful, engaged global citizens. This vision, championed by scholars and thinkers of the East and the West, remains within reach if universities are willing to rise to the challenge. By embracing the true spirit of liberal education—rooted in curiosity, critical inquiry, and intellectual freedom—Indian universities can reclaim their role as nurseries of youthful courage and excitement. They can prepare students not just for careers but for lives of purpose and meaning, ensuring that the ideals of liberal education are not just a slogan but a lived reality.

(The writer is a professor and dean at Christ Deemed to be University, Bengaluru)

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.