What Led to the Chaos at Kerala University?
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Synopsis
Kerala University, once a beacon of academic excellence, now finds itself in a chaotic administrative crisis. As two officials vie for the Registrar position, student protests erupt, raising questions about governance and accountability. What does this mean for the future of education in the region?
Key Takeaways
- Kerala University faces a crisis with conflicting claims to the Registrar position.
- Student protests have escalated into violence, indicating deep-rooted issues.
- The political tug-of-war between the state government and the Governor is at the core of the conflict.
- Historical significance is highlighted by the university's past invitation to Albert Einstein.
- The need for stable governance in educational institutions is more pressing than ever.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 (NationPress) Once revered as a prestigious institution, Kerala University is now engulfed in a crisis of unprecedented administrative disarray, with two individuals simultaneously asserting their claim to the position of Registrar. This turmoil highlights the growing tension between the state government and the Governor.
The current chaos starkly contrasts with the university's remarkable history. In 1937, Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar, the Diwan of Travancore, extended an invitation to the renowned scientist Albert Einstein to become the Vice-Chancellor of the then University of Travancore (now Kerala University), offering a salary of Rs 6,000 per month. Einstein declined, choosing to pursue opportunities at Princeton University instead.
Fast forward to the present, and the university is experiencing a complete governance breakdown.
Recently, student protests led by the CPI(M)-backed Students’ Federation of India (SFI) escalated into violence following the suspension of Registrar Dr K.S. Anil Kumar by Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal for not adhering to directives.
Despite his suspension and the appointment of an acting Registrar, Kumar remains active at the office. On Friday, he forwarded three files to the VC, which went unacknowledged, while he processed 25 files dealt with by the acting Registrar, further complicating the situation.
The root of this conflict is the political tug-of-war. VC Kunnummal is supported by Kerala Governor and Chancellor Rajendra V. Arlekar, while Registrar Kumar has the backing of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government.
The immediate incident that triggered the VC's actions was Kumar's unilateral cancellation of the Governor’s planned visit to the Senate Hall for a private function—an event that Arlekar ultimately attended.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan condemned the ongoing situation, stating, “If there are conflicts between the CM and the Governor, why should Kerala University suffer? The SFI has unleashed absolute chaos in recent days.”
Satheesan highlighted that it was the Vijayan government that initially appointed Kunnummal as the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Health Sciences, questioning their current accusations of him being an RSS agent. “The Governor has merely appointed him as acting VC of Kerala University,” he noted.
He emphasized that the university's administration has effectively come to a halt, creating confusion over the legitimate Registrar, which has resulted in a backlog of pending files and negatively impacted students.
Reflecting public concern, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the head of the Malankara Orthodox Church, expressed sorrow over the student violence at the university.
“I would describe it as pure rage—a gender-neutral crowd of boys and girls engaging in rampage. I think about their parents, who must have sent them to study, not to participate in such actions,” he passionately stated on Friday.
Meanwhile, two BJP syndicate members from Kerala University have indicated plans to seek judicial intervention due to concerns over students’ futures being endangered by the lack of clear administrative authority.
Point of View
It's essential to observe that the ongoing turmoil at Kerala University reflects broader issues within the state's political landscape. The clash between the government and the Governor has unfortunately trickled down to affect students and faculty, highlighting the urgent need for clear governance and stability in educational institutions across the country.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation at Kerala University?
Kerala University is experiencing significant administrative confusion, with two individuals claiming to be the Registrar, leading to governance issues and student protests.
Who are the key figures involved in the Kerala University crisis?
Key figures include Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal and Registrar Dr K.S. Anil Kumar, along with political figures from the state government and the Governor's office.
What historical significance does Kerala University hold?
Kerala University has a rich history, including an invitation extended to Albert Einstein to serve as Vice-Chancellor in 1937, which he declined.
How have student protests impacted the university?
Student protests, particularly those organized by the SFI, have turned violent and contributed to the ongoing administrative chaos, affecting students' education.
What are the implications of the political conflict on the university?
The ongoing political conflict between the government and the Governor has created uncertainty in university administration, adversely affecting students and faculty.
