Kerala University V-C Boycotts Union Inaugural Over Registrar’s Presence

Speedy Summary:

• The Kerala University Union 2024-25 inaugural event on monday highlighted tensions within the university over administrative control.
• Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal boycotted the program, objecting to Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar’s presence, citing that Dr. Kumar’s suspension revocation is legally void.
• Director (Planning and Progress) Mini Dejo Kappen, assigned additional charge as Registrar by the Vice-Chancellor, was excluded from the ceremony.
• Union office-bearers, backed by the Students Federation of India (SFI), recognized Dr. Kumar as Registrar and stated that the Vice-chancellor had initially agreed to attend.
• Noted writer T.D. Ramakrishnan inaugurated the event and remarked that vested interests were influencing appointments in education, negatively impacting academic activities.
• Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi vice-chairperson P.R. Pushpavathy criticized filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s recent controversial remarks at a film conclave while speaking during her address.
• The programme was presided over by Union chairman Ashwin S. Nair with several Syndicate members delivering speeches.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The boycott of an official university function by Acting vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal reflects ongoing administrative discord within Kerala University-likely fueled by legal disputes surrounding key personnel appointments like that of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar.This highlights broader governance challenges in educational institutions where legal disagreements may intersect with student-led political dynamics such as those involving groups like SFI.

More broadly, T.D Ramakrishnan’s allegations about vested interests in appointments serve as a reminder of systemic vulnerabilities across India’s education sector which could impact academic integrity and institutional autonomy if left unchecked.Meanwhile, side discussions such as criticisms voiced against prominent cultural figures like Adoor Gopalakrishnan reflect how wider socio-political debates often permeate such events.Read More: