Vice-Chancellors direct colleges to mark ‘Partition Horror Day’; Kerala University pulls back amid mounting opposition

The Vice-Chancellors of Kerala, Kannur, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological Universities and the Cochin University of Science and Technology have directed their affiliated colleges to observe August 14 as ‘Partition Horror Day’ in accordance with a Raj Bhavan circular to organise commemorative events.

The colleges were directed to organise programmes, including seminars, plays and poster-making to mark the occasion.

However, Kerala University unexpectedly issued a revised circular on Tuesday, advising colleges to restraint in conducting such events. The new circular, issued by the Director in-charge of College Development Council (CDC), clarified that the original instruction had been disseminated “as per the communication received from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor”.

It further stated: “Colleges have raised several concerns about the policy decision required in this regard over phone and email. They also pointed out that the Chief Minister of Kerala had openly declared the policy of Government of Kerala regarding commemoration of Partition Horror Day.”

Allegedly issued without approval by Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal, the revised circular concludes that any further step should only be taken “with the consent of appropriate authorities”.

Shortly after its release, the Professor who held additional charge of the Director of CDC reportedly stepped down from the position.

Both the Students Federation of India and the Kerala Students Union have vowed to block any event organised in connection with the observance. The SFI will also organise symbolic protests against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also serves as the Chancellor of State-run universities, and the Vice-Chancellors of Kerala and Kannur Universities on Wednesday.

The State government too reiterated its disapproval of the Raj Bhavan directive. Addressing a press conference in Thrissur, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu described the Governor’s directive as part of a “divisive and communal agenda” orchestrated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The move, she added, threatens the secular fabric of the country and is intended to foster communal hatred under the guise of remembrance. “It is an attempt to inject destructive and sectarian ideologies into campuses and create divisions among students.”

Urging the academic community to resist such attempts, the Minister added that certain officials, acting as “the agents of the Chancellor”, might try to enforce this directive in universities.

Save University Campaign Committee, a vociferous critic of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, too called to refrain from commemorating the occasion, considering the risks associated with such programmes that could lead to divisions among the student community.