Why does IIT Madras want to know my religion?

[mssnlayam]

IIT Madras is hiring new faculty. I heard ahead of time that an advertisement was coming out on the 20th and I was eagerly looking forward to see it. What struck me most was how unwelcoming it was.

The advertisement started of inviting "applications from Indian Nationals with an established record ..." (emphasis mine). I understand

Comments

[kadambarid]

Rather enjoyed the post. IF you're still applying (or have applied) - good luck :)

[kadambarid]

One question, though - whenever I've encountered the "Religion" field, I've typically left it blank, or written "NA" or something. This is for the simple reason that I simply don't have a religion. If am really pissed, I'd maybe explicitly mention 'Atheist', or something ...Is it a mandatory field?

[mssnlayam]

Thank you. I will let you know how things go.

The field is in a PDF file that I have to print and submit. So, I can still submit the application without answering the questions. I don't exactly know if it is mandatory. The question asks "Religion (please fill)". Very courteous :)

Whether it is mandatory or not is beside the point. What answer you give is a minor issue compared to how they are going to use that information. They are not supposed to ask that information, especially because it is of no use and can be used to discriminate. What if a professor actively looks for adherents of a particular religion?

In fact, I was annoyed, though to a lesser extent, that the application form asked for a picture of the candidate. One can know a person's gender, the color of their skin, whether they wear a turban, whether they are or a particular race, etc. The questions only serve to enhance the influence of one's conscious and sub-conscious prejudices. And the same goes with asking a candidate's age and date of birth.

[kadambarid]

I believe there is quota for people from minority religions, so they ask the question.