Kerala University Syndicate members slam Vice-Chancellor over branding students ‘anti-nationals'
Kerala University's Left-backed Syndicate members on Wednesday condemned Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal for allegedly branding its students 'anti-nationals' over a WhatsApp post related to a cancelled seminar.
Syndicate Standing Committee on Finance convener G. Muraleedharan described the purported remarks as deeply irresponsible and unbecoming of the office of a Vice-Chancellor.
In a statement, Mr. Muraleedharan explained that the issue arose after a student from the university's Department of Tamil shared an article published in a Tamil magazine on a departmental WhatsApp group.
'The article, which dealt with the politics of war, was wrongly interpreted and circulated as linked to a non-existent seminar. Upon assessing the matter, the Head of the Department instructed the student to delete the post. No such event was conducted,' he stated.
Despite there being no formal complaint, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly acted on misinformation from vested interests and made public remarks, accusing students of engaging in anti-national activities. These statements, the Syndicate members asserted, have tarnished the university's reputation.
'The Vice-Chancellor hastily drew conclusions and made serious accusations, turning a students forum into a political flashpoint. All Syndicate members, except two affiliated to the BJP, jointly expressed their protest against the Vice-Chancellor's actions [on Tuesday]. The Syndicate strongly criticised him for becoming a tool for those seeking to spread misinformation and disturb campus harmony at a time when the nation is collectively combating extremism,' Mr. Muraleedharan lamented.
He added that any departmental seminar or conference requires prior approval and adhere to established protocols.
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