India’s approach to foreign academics has come under renewed scrutiny following the deportation of esteemed Hindi scholar Francesca Orsini. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has publicly stated that the Indian authorities ‘need to grow a thicker skin, a broader mind and a bigger heart’ in dealing with such cases. Orsini, a respected academic from the University of London, was denied entry and deported from Delhi on October 21st, reportedly due to alleged breaches of her tourist visa conditions. Tharoor aligned himself with former BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who pointed out that while visa rules are important, governments shouldn’t judge a professor’s scholarly work. Tharoor articulated his concern on social media, suggesting that expelling foreign scholars for minor administrative issues creates a negative impression of India on the global stage. He believes this action is more detrimental to the nation’s image and cultural standing than any negative academic commentary. Orsini, who has made significant contributions to the study of Hindi literature, was allegedly blacklisted earlier in the year. Her deportation has prompted widespread dismay among scholars and historians who see it as a blow to India’s reputation as an open and intellectually engaging society. Government sources, meanwhile, have indicated that the deportation was a standard response to visa condition violations, reinforcing the necessity for foreign visitors to strictly follow their declared visa purposes.
