Tharoor Criticizes Deportation of Hindi Scholar Francesca Orsini
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the deportation of renowned Hindi scholar Francesca Orsini from Delhi airport, urging the government to be more open-minded. Orsini, a professor emerita at SOAS, was reportedly blacklisted for alleged visa violations. Tharoor and other critics argue such actions harm India's international reputation.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the Indian government's decision to deport London-based Hindi scholar Francesca Orsini from Delhi airport. Tharoor stated that India needs to develop a thicker skin, broader mind, and bigger heart when dealing with academics. He argued that deporting foreign scholars for minor visa violations damages India's reputation more than any criticism in international academic circles. Orsini, a professor emerita at SOAS, was reportedly blacklisted in March 2025 for allegedly violating visa conditions. Tharoor's comments came in response to a column by former BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who also questioned the government's approach. The Congress party and historian Ramachandra Guha have also condemned the move, with Guha calling it a sign of government insecurity and stupidity. Orsini is known for her significant contributions to the study of Hindi literature and India's cultural heritage.
