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Key Points

Kerala's Education Ministers have strongly criticized four university vice-chancellors for attending an RSS-linked national education conference. The ministers, Dr. R. Bindhu and V. Sivankutty, accused the vice-chancellors of aligning with a "saffronisation" agenda by sharing a stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Particularly controversial is the participation of Dr. R. Bijukumar, who was appointed by the current state government. The ministers have called for his removal, emphasizing their opposition to the event's ideological underpinnings.

Key Points: Kerala Ministers Blast VCs for RSS Education Conference Ties

  • Kerala Ministers strongly condemn VCs' participation in RSS-affiliated conference
  • Four university vice-chancellors shared stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
  • Ministers demand removal of Dr. Bijukumar from university position
  • Event focused on reshaping education with Indian cultural values
2 min read

Kerala Education Ministers slam VCs for attending RSS-linked event

Kerala Education Ministers criticize university vice-chancellors for attending RSS-linked Gyan Sabha event with Mohan Bhagwat

"By attending an RSS event, they are aligning with the agenda to saffronise the education system - Dr. R. Bindhu, Higher Education Minister"

Thiruvananthapuram, July 28

Kerala's Education Ministers have strongly criticised four vice-chancellors for participating in the 'Gyan Sabha', a national education conference organised by the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas -- an RSS-affiliated body.

The four VCs who took part in the meeting at Kochi on Sunday shared the dais with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, which has irked both State Higher Education Minister Dr R. Bindhu and State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty.

Those present included Vice Chancellors of Kerala University, Mohanan Kunnummal, Calicut University, P. Raveendran, Kannur University, K.K. Saju, and Dr R. Bijukumar of the CUFOS.

On Monday, Bindhu said it's most unfortunate that the VCs took part in an event organised by the RSS.

"By attending an RSS event, they are aligning with the agenda to saffronise the education system. This should never have happened. Tomorrow, they will have to bow before the RSS," Bindhu said.

What has irked the CPI-M more is the presence of Bijukumar, as he was appointed by the Pinarayi Vijayan government, while the others were all appointed by the then Kerala Governor (Arif Mohammed Khan).

Sivankutty said the presence of Bijukumar is in no way acceptable, and he has to be moved out.

"We don't need such a person who sides with the RSS, and hence he has to be moved out," said Sivankutty.

Bhagwat at the meeting pointed out that India must move beyond the symbolism of being the "golden bird" and instead become a "lion".

The event focused on reshaping the country's educational framework in alignment with Indian cultural values and preparing the youth to face future challenges with clarity and confidence.

The conference was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, along with several senior academicians and vice-chancellors from across India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As someone working in higher education, I find it concerning that ministers are dictating which events academics can attend. Shouldn't we encourage diverse viewpoints in our universities? This smacks of intolerance.
R
Rahul R
The ministers have a point. When VCs attend RSS events, it sends a wrong message. Kerala's education system has always been progressive - we don't need Sangh Parivar's ideology in our universities. #StandWithKeralaModel
S
Sarah B
I'm an NRI following this debate. Both sides seem extreme. Can't we have balanced discussions about Indian cultural values in education without it becoming a political battleground?
V
Vikram M
The real issue is academic freedom. If we start judging academics by which events they attend, soon we'll have no independent thinking left in our universities. This is dangerous for democracy.
N
Nisha Z
As a parent, I'm more concerned about the quality of education than these political fights. Whether RSS or CPI-M, just ensure my child gets world-class education with good job prospects!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully disagree with the ministers here. The conference theme about preparing youth for future challenges sounds relevant. We shouldn't dismiss ideas just because of who organizes them.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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