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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Why Megha Vemuri an Indian-origin student was banned from her own graduation ceremony at MIT
Megha Vemuri A commencement ceremony, especially at a globally renowned institution like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is meant to be a culmination of years of effort, an academic crescendo that signals both achievement and aspiration. For Megha Vemuri, the elected president of MIT's Class of 2025, it was supposed to be precisely that. But in an unexpected turn, the student chosen to represent her peers was barred from attending her own graduation. The catalyst? A speech that sharply condemned MIT's ties to the Israeli military and called for solidarity with Palestine. The story is not merely about the speech—it is about institutional boundaries, student activism, and the line between protest and procedure. MIT insists the action taken against Vemuri was a consequence of process violation, not political censorship. Critics, however, view the move as part of a larger pattern of suppressing pro-Palestinian expression on American campuses. At the heart of the matter lies one central question: Why did MIT feel compelled to exclude its student president from the very ceremony she was elected to lead? The speech that sparked it all On May 29, during an official pre-commencement event, Megha Vemuri took the stage wearing a red keffiyeh—an unmistakable symbol of Palestinian solidarity. Though the occasion was formally celebratory, her remarks quickly veered into politically charged territory. In her speech, Vemuri declared: 'The Israeli occupation forces are the only foreign military that MIT has research ties with; this means that Israel's assault on the Palestinian people is not only aided and abetted by our country, but our school.' She added: 'We are watching Israel try to wipe Palestine off the face of the earth, and it is a shame that MIT is a part of it.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Calling on her fellow graduates to take a moral stand, she said: 'As scientists, engineers, academics, and leaders, we have a commitment to support life, support aid efforts, and call for an arms embargo and keep demanding now as alumni that MIT cuts the ties.' The speech, shared widely online by groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement, drew sharp reactions. Vemuri was praised by some for voicing dissent at a moment of global crisis; others accused her of politicizing a community event meant for unity. MIT's Justification: A matter of misrepresentation The very next day, MIT informed Vemuri that she would no longer serve as student marshal and that both she and her family were banned from most of the campus for graduation day. The decision, according to the institute, was not a reaction to the content of her views but to the manner in which they were delivered. In an email obtained by The Boston Globe, Chancellor Melissa Nobles told Vemuri: 'You deliberately and repeatedly misled Commencement organizers. While we acknowledge your right to free expression, your decision to lead a protest from the stage, disrupting an important institute ceremony, was a violation of MIT's time, place, and manner rules for campus expression.' MIT officials stated that the speech delivered was not the one Vemuri had submitted in advance. The administration characterized her actions as a deliberate breach of trust and protocol. Vemuri's Response: Defiance and disagreement Megha Vemuri acknowledged that her address was, in her own words, a 'protest from the stage,' but she sharply criticized MIT's disciplinary response, calling it an 'overreach.' She has not released a formal public statement, but her emailed reply to the administration indicates a strong difference of opinion over the university's interpretation of events. The fallout from her speech extended beyond the university. Facing a wave of online backlash, including criticism from conservative commentators and social media users who questioned both her message and identity, Vemuri deleted her LinkedIn profile. Campus protest and a broader national backdrop Vemuri's exclusion comes amid growing tensions across US college campuses over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Several universities have faced walkouts, encampments, and demands for institutional divestment. MIT, too, has been at the center of student activism. Earlier this year, both its undergraduate body and Graduate Student Union voted in favor of severing ties with the Israeli military. As Vemuri said in her speech: 'Last spring, MIT's undergraduate body and Graduate Student Union voted overwhelmingly to cut ties with the genocidal Israeli military. You called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and you stood in solidarity with the pro-Palestine activists on campus.' She further noted: 'Right now, while we prepare to graduate and move forward with our lives, there are no universities left in Gaza.' 'You faced threats, intimidation, and suppression coming from all directions, especially your own university officials, but you prevailed because the MIT community that I know would never tolerate a genocide.' The debate over free expression vs. institutional order The incident reignites a complex debate about the limits of free expression within structured academic environments. MIT's position is that while speech is protected, it must adhere to established guidelines around time, place, and manner, particularly at high-profile institutional events. Vemuri's critics argue that by blindsiding organizers with an unsanctioned protest, she jeopardised the ceremonial integrity of the event. Her defenders, on the other hand, see her as a courageous voice who used her platform to speak against injustice in a moment that demanded moral clarity. The high cost of a graduation speech In barring Megha Vemuri from her own graduation, MIT made a statement—not necessarily about the substance of her political views, but about the boundaries it expects its students to observe. Whether that decision reflects a necessary defense of institutional process or a troubling clampdown on student dissent depends largely on one's perspective. What remains indisputable is this: The moment that should have celebrated unity and achievement became a flashpoint for division and discourse. Vemuri's speech and MIT's reaction to it have now become part of a larger national reckoning about free speech, activism, and accountability within the walls of academia. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Millennial anxiety in comeback mode as ‘Final Destination' returns
1 2 Pune: A popcorn horror series in 2000 quickly grew into psychological terror for millennials who can also be called the 'Final Destination' generation. The idea that death could strike through bizarre, but completely possible accidents took root in young viewers' minds then. Now, millennial anxiety has found a throwback trigger with the release of 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' in India on May 16. Fourteen years after the last instalment, the franchise has brought back the irrational fears it successfully embedded into an entire generation's psyche. So if a millennial grips the steering wheel just a little tighter while driving behind a truck carrying metal rods, they should know they are not alone. It is the same if one involuntarily clenches every muscle when somebody does a gymnastics flip in a video. And, if the sound of a sudden elevator jolt spikes the heartbeat, the series definitely has the person in it clutches. Pranav Iyer (39) is a fintech professional who commutes from Undri to Hinjewadi daily. He said, "I quickly change lanes if I'm behind a truck with pipes, logs or any construction material. It's like a reflex even now. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo The minute I spot something sticking out of a vehicle, my brain thinks of the 'Final Destination 2' scene where logs fall out and everyone dies in an unexpected and macabre way. I tell myself not to think of it, but desperately try to move away from behind the vehicle. " Teacher Pritha Dasgupta (42) has been terrified of stepping onto an escalator after she watched a scene from the movie. "I still get slight anxiety when I have to take an escalator. I ensure there's nothing in my footwear or clothes to get caught in the machine. My heart is in my mouth till I step off," she said. The lingering fear is a form of associative conditioning and not entirely irrational, according to mental health professionals. Clinical psychologist Yukhta Pathak said, "What the 'Final Destination' franchise did was introduce highly specific situational fears which hijack normal daily routines. Since the scenes were grounded in reality, situations like driving behind a truck carrying projectiles, setting up a barbecue or visiting the ophthalmologist were processed as potential threats. The fears became anchored for millennials, who encountered these ideas while still forming adult cognitive patterns. " She explained this as a phenomenon where a stimulus like a log truck or a gymnastics routine becomes linked with fear due to intense visual memory of audiences. Over time, the association causes stress or avoidance behaviour even without direct danger. "As a generation, millennials already carry a base-level anxiety because of job insecurities, rising cost of living, climate dread and social media, among others. We have hyper-vigilance disguised as common sense because the chaos we are already dealing with is stoked by a mental inventory of elaborate death sequences," said Aatish Makhija (38), a film buff. It is a very millennial trait to still remember the scenes vividly. "I cannot get myself to undergo lasik surgery because of the eye surgery scene. I know no doctor will turn a machine pointed at my eye and just leave the room like in the movie, but I squirm at the thought," said Priyanka Shah, a 40-year-old homemaker. The return of the franchise is also a reminder of how pop culture shapes a generation. Remember, millennials grew up with Y2K paranoia, 'Friends', Orkut and a healthy suspicion of ceiling fans.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Metrowater to roll out one lakh smart meters for consumers soon
Chennai: Metrowater is finally set to roll out smart water meters for its consumers, with preparations underway to issue the work order that will allow the selected contractor to begin installations for the long-pending project. In the first phase, one lakh smart meters will be installed, targeting houses and flats measuring more than 2,500 square feet. Other consumers will gradually be brought under the system in subsequent phases. Currently, Metrowater operates with 1,200 mechanised meters, which present practical difficulties in reading data—especially when property owners are away from home for extended periods. Additionally, households without meters are charged a flat rate of just 80, regardless of consumption. This has created two major challenges: unquantified water usage in large complexes and significant revenue losses due to undercharging. Both issues are expected to be addressed with the implementation of smart meters, which will provide precise consumption data. "Smart meters will bring multiple benefits, including improved equity and adequacy in water distribution across the city. The digital nature of the meters ensures accurate billing and encourages accountability among users—empowering them with insights into their usage and helping detect leaks or wastage promptly," said a senior Metrowater official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise infrastructure and improve public utility services. Officials are optimistic that the move will not only streamline operations but also promote better conservation and sustainable use of water resources over time. Chennai Metrowater currently supplies around 1,100 million litres of water daily to its consumers, up from 1,011 million litres on the same day last year, according to available data.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Hyderabad man dies after car rams into truck in Jalna district
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A Hyderabad resident lost his life instantly while his driver sustained minor injuries when their fast-moving vehicle crossed the divider and crashed into an approaching lorry near the Wadigodri village in Jalna district's Ambad tehsil on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at 7.30am on the Dhule-Solapur highway. According to Ambad SDPO Vishal Khambe, the vehicle (AP 11 AT 0455) was en route to Shirdi from Hyderabad when the driver reportedly fell asleep while driving at high speed. The car veered across the central divider onto oncoming traffic, colliding with a lorry (RJ 32 GE 0291) heading towards Beed. The deceased has been identified as P Ramesh P Krishnamurthy (45), who resided in Madanpeth, Malkapet area of Hyderabad. His companion, Shriram Dahita (25), also from Hyderabad, sustained minor injuries. Dahita was driving the car at the time. The impact was severe enough to completely damage the front section of the car. Locals alerted the police and emergency services promptly. A highway ambulance 1033 team and local rescue workers arrived swiftly at the scene. They employed iron cutters and crowbars to remove the occupants from the damaged vehicle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo The deceased's remains were transported to Wadigodri Primary Health Centre for postmortem examination. Dahita received treatment and is reported to be stable. Law enforcement officials have registered a case. Initial investigation suggests driver exhaustion caused the accident. Officials have issued new guidelines for long-distance motorists, advising against driving without proper rest. The particular section of the Dhule-Solapur highway has experienced numerous accidents recently, with authorities linking many to excessive speed, sleepy drivers, and improper lane usage.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
After Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya also shuts down rumours of rift with Gujarat Titans captain
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill at the toss in IPL 2025. (Getty Images) Shubman Gill dismissed rumours of a rift with Hardik Pandya following Gujarat Titans' elimination from IPL 2025 by Mumbai Indians in Friday's Eliminator match. The speculation arose after their tense exchange at the toss and Pandya's animated celebration of Gill's dismissal during the game, but both players took to social media to affirm their camaraderie. Social media platforms were filled with theories about discord between the two players, particularly in light of Pandya's move from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians. The situation gained attention after observers noted their interaction during the toss ceremony in Mullanpur and Pandya's reaction to Gill's wicket. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Gill addressed the situation directly through his Instagram story, stating: "Nothing but love (Don't believe everything you see on the internet)." Pandya responded with his own social media message, writing: "Always, Shubhu baby." — AhmedGT_ (@AhmedGT_) The match saw Mumbai Indians secure their place in Qualifier 2 with a dominant performance, posting 228 runs in their innings. Rohit Sharma led the batting effort with 81 runs off 50 balls, supported by contributions from Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya. Gujarat Titans' chase fell short at 208 runs, despite a strong performance from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 80 runs from 49 deliveries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이세요? 한 번 시작하면 멈출 수 없어요. 준비되셨나요? Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo Gill was dismissed early for just 1 run, while Washington Sundar contributed 48 runs from 24 balls in the middle overs. Sai Sudharsan: 'County stints reminded me that basics are most important part of batting' Mumbai Indians' bowling attack proved decisive in the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah claimed the crucial wicket of Sundar and maintained economy in his final over, conceding only 8 runs. Trent Boult supported the attack with two wickets as the experienced pace unit successfully defended their total. The victory advances Mumbai Indians to Qualifier 2, where they will face Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on June 1. The winner of this match will progress to the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
