[intro]The fight for access to public universities is not unique to South Africa. Strong resistance is also taking place in India, where much unrest and protest has been experienced in its universities. At the root of the protests in India, despite student unions being banned in a majority of colleges and universities, is an unprecedented mobilisation against discrimination in higher education because of economic status or gender.[/intro]
Globally, the top-down model of a university driven by history and by external funding, particularly government funding, is shifting, as fiscal resources diminish. This leads to concerns about rights, access and economics. These challenges are being experienced, and resisted, around the world.
In this episode, Dr Mehita Iqani gains insight into the issues facing university students in India with Jigisha Bhattacharya, a postgraduate student at Jawaharlal University.
The Academic Citizen (TAC) is an independent podcast series that is supported by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU). Established in April 2016, The Academic Citizen explores a diversity of topics and opinions relating to higher education in South Africa, today and into the future. Each episode welcomes a guest for an in-depth discussion of a particular issue relevant to university life today, including transformation in higher education, gender equity and virtual learning to name a few. Researched, edited, scheduled and produced by Simbarashe Honde.
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The Academic Citizen is funded by The Academic Staff Association of Wits University.
