Unacademy Removes Educator For Controversial Voting Remarks

The controversy stemmed from a video wherein Sangwan encouraged students to vote for well-educated politicians.

Updated on: 18 August 2023 3:47 am

Unacademy educator asks students not to vote for illiterate politicians.

Edtech giant Unacademy has dismissed educator Karan Sangwan following a stir caused by his call to students to vote for educated candidates and not those "who only know changing names." Co-founder of Unacademy, Roman Saini, cited a breach of the platform's 'Code of Conduct' as the reason behind Sangwan's termination, reiterating the company's unwavering commitment to providing unbiased education.

Saini stated, "Our learners are at the center of everything we do. The classroom is not a place to share personal opinions and views as they can wrongly influence them. In the current situation, we were forced to part ways with Karan Sangwan as he was in breach of the Code of Conduct," as reported by Hindustan Times.

Responding to the decision, Sangwan revealed plans to address the controversy on his YouTube channel, stating, "From the past few days, a video has been going viral due to which I am in controversy and because of that controversy my several students who are preparing for judicial services examinations are facing a lot of consequences. Along with them, I have to also face consequences."

The controversy stemmed from a video wherein Sangwan encouraged students to vote for well-educated politicians. He lamented, "Even I don't know whether to laugh or cry because I also have a lot of bare acts, caseloads, and notes that I had prepared. It is hard work for everyone. You also got a job at your hand." Sangwan stressed, "Next time vote for someone who is well-educated so you don't have to go through this (ordeal) again. Ok? Elect someone who is educated, who understands things. Don't elect someone who only knows changing names. Make your decision properly."

While Sangwan did not explicitly name anyone, the remarks drew parallels with recent statements by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. Responding to Sangwan's dismissal, Kejriwal questioned, "If someone is illiterate, personally I respect them. But public representatives cannot be illiterate. This is the era of science and technology."

The Congress party and Y Sathish Reddy, chairman of Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation, also chimed in, emphasizing the significance of informed voting choices.