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The participation of three university Vice-Chancellors at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) programme attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has triggered a political storm in Kerala.
The presence of Kerala University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal, Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mavoothu D. and Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University Vice-Chancellor in-charge C.R. Prasad at the event held in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday drew fierce criticism from various quarters over the alleged saffronisation of higher education.
CM condemns participation
Strongly condemning the Vice-Chancellors’ attendance at the programme, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that the government viewed their participation with “utmost seriousness.”
He termed their action a grave lapse that is “entirely unbecoming of Kerala’s educational tradition and the dignity of their office”. The people of Kerala held the post of Vice-Chancellor in high esteem, and by attending a programme led by an RSS leader “who preaches extreme communalism,” the Vice-Chancellors have severely undermined that respect, Mr. Satheesan stated in his social media handles on Sunday.
Emphasising that any act that promotes communalism is unacceptable and will not be condoned regardless of who commits it, the Chief Minister demanded that all three Vice-Chancellors tender a public apology to the people of Kerala.
Pinarayi slams govt.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also mounted a sharp attack, asserting that secular Kerala views the development with extreme seriousness amid the ongoing debates regarding the imposition of Sangh Parivar agenda on universities.
Addressing media persons here on Sunday, Mr. Vijayan alleged that the State government is maintaining a stance of avoiding any confrontation with the Governor. The scenario has allowed the RSS to tighten its grip on the higher education sector.
He recalled that the Sangh Parivar’s design to “capture” State-run universities began in 2018 when Arif Mohammed Khan, “who had an RSS background”, was appointed Governor. This move had been strongly resisted by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Mr. Vijayan said.
According to the CPI(M) veteran, the previous LDF government had even introduced a Bill in the Legislative Assembly specifically to protect higher education and prevent saffronisation. But, the United Democratic Front (UDF) had vehemently opposed it.
Highlighting the current political silence, the Opposition Leader questioned why neither the Chief Minister, the State Ministers, nor the constituent parties of the UDF have reacted against the Vice-Chancellors’ actions, including their presence at the RSS event. He demanded to know why the State government and the UDF are hesitating to stand up against the BJP and the Sangh Parivar on the issue.
Maintain neutrality: forum
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) has stated that Vice-Chancellors, who are entrusted with safeguarding universities as institutions with autonomy and complete academic freedom, should not act as mere servants of power centres. They are expected to maintain neutrality and administrative sensitivity, while remaining above political and social pressures.
However, the three Vice-Chancellors have demonstrated partisanship by participating in the political programme. The association also cautioned that Vice-Chancellors should not become instruments of those who are, directly or indirectly, leading State universities towards trends that are unsuitable for Kerala. The people of the State would resist any attempt to transform universities in ways that promote narrow political or communal interests, FUTA added.
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