Latest news with #Kunnummal
India Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala University Vice-Chancellor under fire for halting seminar on Pahalgam attack
A controversy has erupted at Kerala University after Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal instructed the cancellation of a seminar on the Pahalgam terror attack, citing concerns over its content and political seminar, which was organised by the Department of Tamil and scheduled for May 9, was set to address the Pahalgam terror attack, its security lapses, and the connection between the attack and the upcoming Bihar elections. The department regularly holds discussions on various topics, but the seminar in question drew attention when one of the research scholars shared an article from a Tamil website on their WhatsApp group. Titled 'Pahalgam attack: Truths drowned in nationalist frenzy,' the article discussed the attack in detail and suggested that the event was linked to political motivations surrounding the learning of the seminar, Dr Kunnummal directed the university registrar to halt the event and requested an explanation from the Head of the Department of Tamil. The Head of Department (HOD) clarified that the seminar was the initiative of a PhD scholar, who had posted the article. A memo was subsequently issued to the scholar, who apologised for the incident. The Department of Tamil decided to drop the topic from the discussion entirely. However, the issue took a new turn during the Kerala University Syndicate meeting held the following day. Members of the Left faction raised objections, accusing the Vice-Chancellor of attempting to distort the narrative. They pointed out that the scholar had shared the article before the Operation Sindoor counter-terrorism operation, questioning the VC's motives. In response, BJP members in the syndicate opposed these controversy deepened when the Student Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), criticised the Vice-Chancellor for allegedly stifling free speech. The SFI accused Dr Kunnummal of trying to label students as anti-nationals for political reasons. 'Mohanan Kunnummal is more interested in propagating the politics of RSS. What is the situation we are in when RSS agents are giving us certificates of patriotism?' the SFI said in a statement, accusing the Vice-Chancellor of undermining student autonomy and suppressing dissent. IN THIS STORY#Kerala
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pahalgam seminar cancellation sparks political storm and free speech debate at Kerala University
Controversy continues to swirl at Kerala University following the cancellation of a seminar in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack by the Department of Tamil a few days ago. The event, originally scheduled for May 9, was called off after Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal deemed it 'anti-national.' Although the university has opted not to initiate disciplinary action against the research scholar who coordinated the programme or the Head of the Department (HoD), the incident has ignited political tensions. The Students Federation of India (SFI) has condemned the V-C, accusing him of aligning with the agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Tensions escalated further during a Syndicate meeting on Tuesday when Left and BJP-backed members locked horns over the issue. A notice for the discussion proposed under the 'Friday Literary Circle' at the department set off the controversy. The organisers also circulated a link to an article 'Pahalgam attack: Truths drowned in nationalist frenzy' from a Tamil website, which criticised the Union government for exploiting national sentiments, particularly in the lead-up to the elections in Bihar. Prof. Kunnummal subsequently instructed the Registrar to cancel the programme and called for an explanation form the HoD. The HoD, Hepsy Rose Mary A., expressed regret over the issue, clarifying that the programme was organised without her knowledge. The programme coordinator also tendered an apology. Based on their responses, the university decided not to take any further action, though the Vice-Chancellor submitted a report to the Chancellor. The SFI waded into the controversy by accusing Prof. Kunnummal of stifling free speech for political reasons. They also demanded an apology, alleging that the Vice-Chancellor had unfairly labelled students as anti-nationals and threatened them with investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They also called for Statewide protests against him. Responding to the allegations, Prof. Kunnummal claimed to have received complaints from students regarding similar programmes. Under such circumstances, he has ordered the Registrar to review the content of seminars and events held over the last year. The inquiry will also investigate whether students typically organise such events without informing department heads. Defending his decision to cancel the event, Prof. Kunnummal said it would be inappropriate for the university to permit an event that criticises Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. 'Those who now call for peace were previously supportive of the Hamas attack on Israel. Such positions are part of a political agenda,' the Vice-Chancellor observed.
