Filmmaker Anand Patwardhan Denied Entry to Mumbai University Amid Monk's Pali Department Protest

Filmmaker Anand Patwardhan was denied entry to Mumbai University's Kalina campus while attempting to support Buddhist monk Bhanteji Vimamsa, who has been protesting for over 190 days to preserve the Pali Language Department. Vimamsa's demands include increased funding and hostel renovations. The university described the protest as illegal and a security concern, denying specific barring of Patwardhan. Patwardhan linked the denial to broader ideological issues, while the university stated it was unaware of his visit and would have welcomed him if informed.