Did Kerala Education Ministers Condemn VCs for Attending RSS Event?
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Synopsis
In a significant political move, Kerala's Education Ministers have openly criticized four vice-chancellors for attending an RSS-linked event. This controversy raises questions about the influence of political affiliations on educational governance in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Keralas Education Ministers are critical of VCs attending RSS events.
- The Gyan Sabha aimed to reshape educational policies.
- Political affiliations raise questions about educational governance.
- Educational independence is crucial for unbiased learning.
- Future implications of this controversy are yet to unfold.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 28 (NationPress) Kerala’s Education Ministers have vehemently condemned four vice-chancellors for their participation in the ‘Gyan Sabha’, a national education conference organized by the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, which is linked to the RSS.
The four VCs, who attended the meeting in Kochi on Sunday, shared the stage with RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat, causing significant discontent among State Higher Education Minister Dr. R. Bindhu and General Education Minister V. Sivankutty.
Among those present were Vice Chancellors Mohanan Kunnummal from Kerala University, P. Raveendran from Calicut University, K.K. Saju from Kannur University, and Dr. R. Bijukumar from CUFOS.
On Monday, Bindhu remarked that it was extremely regrettable for the VCs to engage in an event organized by the RSS.
"By participating in an RSS event, they are endorsing the agenda to saffronize the education system. This should never have occurred. Tomorrow, they may have to submit to the RSS," Bindhu expressed.
What has particularly upset the CPI-M is the involvement of Bijukumar, who was appointed by the Pinarayi Vijayan administration, while the others were appointed by former Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
Sivankutty stated that Bijukumar's presence is entirely unacceptable and that he should be replaced.
“We don’t require someone who aligns with the RSS, so he must be removed,” Sivankutty insisted.
At the conference, Bhagwat emphasized the need for India to evolve beyond the mere symbolism of being the “golden bird” and to transform into a “lion”.
The event aimed to realign the nation’s educational framework with Indian cultural values while equipping the youth to tackle future challenges with clarity and confidence.
The conference also saw the attendance of Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, along with several prominent academics and vice-chancellors from across the nation.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between political ideologies and educational governance. The involvement of vice-chancellors in an RSS-affiliated event raises concerns about maintaining academic independence and the potential for politicization in education. Educational institutions must remain neutral to foster an unbiased learning environment, ensuring that such controversies do not compromise the integrity of the education system.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the criticism of the vice-chancellors?
The vice-chancellors were criticized for attending the 'Gyan Sabha', a conference organized by an RSS-affiliated body, which raised concerns about the politicization of education.
Who are the vice-chancellors involved in the controversy?
The vice-chancellors involved are Mohanan Kunnummal from Kerala University, P. Raveendran from Calicut University, K.K. Saju from Kannur University, and Dr. R. Bijukumar from CUFOS.
What are the implications of their attendance at the event?
Their attendance at the RSS-linked event suggests possible alignment with political agendas that could influence the education system, causing concern among government officials.
