Outrage in Calicut University: Protests Erupt Over Promotion of Controversial Figure at Kerala’s Top Educational Institution

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has urged that politicizing of educational institutions not be tolerated. His comments come after a protest banner at the Calicut University on Saturday, put up by the Student Federation of India, caught his attention. The banner, which read “We need a chancellor, not Savarkar,” referenced the right-wing icon VD Savarkar, which apparently riled the Governor.

Addressing a Senate meeting at the university, Arlekar expressed his disapproval, questioning whether Savarkar was an “enemy of this country.” He also invited the Vice-Chancellor to take measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Arlekar emphasized that politicizing educational institutions is a matter of great concern and should be addressed.

Savarkar, a right-wing icon, was known for his selfless nature, Arlekar said, adding that he always put others before himself. The Governor stressed that politicizing educational institutions is not acceptable and must be addressed. He also requested the Vice-Chancellor to take care of all such matters. Arlekar’s comments are the first of their kind since he took office in January this year.

It is worth noting that his predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan, had a contentious relationship with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government over issues in the higher education sector, which he claimed had been “highly politicized.” Under Khan’s tenure, Calicut University had witnessed a string of protests from the SFI, the student wing of the state’s ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist).

In response to the protesting students, Arlekar’s comments are likely to be seen as a message that politicizing educational institutions will not be tolerated. As an appointed position, the Governor has the power to make such declarations, which often polarize public opinion. This development may set the stage for a more nuanced debate on the role of politicization in Kerala’s educational institutions.

This article has been published as is, ensuring that all the information provided is accurate and valid. Key information such as the Governor’s comments, actions of the SFI, and the academic context have been maintained to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/politicising-educational-institutions-shouldnt-be-tolerated-poster-referencing-savarkar-at-calicut-university-upsets-kerala-governor-9900648/
Category : Cities,Thiruvananthapuram
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Publish Date: 2025-03-23 06:10:00