https://educationtoday.co/blog/blog-details?id=2807&url=Bengal-Female-Professor-Marries-Student-in-Classroom-University-Orders-Probe *Bengal Female Professor Marries Student in Classroom, University Orders Probe* A viral video showing a female professor marrying a student in a classroom at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) in West Bengal has sparked a wave of controversy, prompting the university to inquire into the matter. The incident, which occurred in the university’s Psychology Department in Haringhata, Nadia district, has raised questions about professional conduct in educational settings. The Incident and the Viral Video In the video that quickly spread across social media, the professor, dressed in bridal attire, and a first-year student were seen performing several traditional Bengali Hindu wedding rituals, such as the ‘sindoor daan’ (applying vermillion) and ‘mala bodol’ (exchange of garlands), all within the classroom environment. The unusual scene, which appeared to be a wedding ceremony, caused outrage among social media users who criticized the act as inappropriate and unprofessional. University’s Response In response to the uproar, university officials swiftly addressed the matter. A three-member inquiry panel was formed to investigate the incident, and the university administration sought an explanation from the professor involved. The university’s officiating vice-chancellor, Tapas Chakraborty, acknowledged that the professor had explained the event as part of a psycho-drama demonstration designed to help students understand certain psychological concepts. According to Chakraborty, the professor claimed it was not an actual wedding but an academic exercise illustrating the dynamics of relationships and social rituals. The professor explained that the video was initially intended for internal use within the class and had been “leaked” without her consent. She expressed concern that its circulation was designed to tarnish the reputation of the Psychology Department and the academic environment at the university. Despite the professor’s defense, the university decided to take precautionary measures. The professor was asked to take leave until the inquiry was completed, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. Additionally, the student involved in the incident was instructed not to attend classes until the probe concluded. The Controversy Surrounding the Event The incident has raised concerns about the boundaries between professional and personal conduct in the academic world. Many social media users have criticized the display as inappropriate for a classroom setting, regardless of the professor’s explanation of its educational intent. Some have questioned whether such demonstrations should be conducted within an academic institution and whether the event compromised the integrity of the learning environment. Conversely, the professor's supporters have pointed out that psychodrama techniques, often used in psychology education, can sometimes involve role-playing exercises to explore complex emotional and social themes. They argue that the professor’s intent may have been misunderstood due to the nature of the demonstration and the subsequent viral video. Next Steps and University’s Stance The inquiry panel formed by MAKAUT will now delve deeper into the incident's circumstances. The university has made it clear that it takes the matter seriously and will consider the professor’s explanation, the appropriateness of the demonstration, and the behavior of both the professor and the student involved. The university’s decision to suspend the professor temporarily and ask the student to refrain from attending classes until the investigation is complete is aimed at maintaining the integrity of the ongoing inquiry. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for how educational institutions handle similar demonstrations or controversial teaching methods in the future. Conclusion The incident at MAKAUT has raised important questions about the boundaries of academic freedom, professionalism, and the responsible use of teaching methods in educational institutions. As the university conducts its inquiry, whether the demonstration will be seen as an innovative pedagogical approach or as an inappropriate action that crosses the line between education and personal conduct remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, the case underscores the need for clarity on the ethical guidelines surrounding teaching practices and the use of technology in classrooms. *For more details visit* https://youtube.com/shorts/nWmxTpms3Q0?si=064qmGwtLBz6k0FY