Kerala University V-C, Syndicate members lock horns over Governor’s participation in Sanskrit seminar

V-C Mohanan Kunnummal dismisses claims that he had invited the Chancellor without consulting the decision-making body

The protracted discord between Kerala University Vice-Chancellor (V-C) in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal and the Left-aligned Syndicate members has flared up yet again over Governor Arif Mohammed Khan’s scheduled participation at a seminar to be held on Tuesday.

Mr. Khan, who is also the Chancellor of the University, is slated to inaugurate a three-day seminar on ‘Global Issues and Sanskrit Knowledge Systems’, organised by the Department of Sanskrit.

Rani Sadasiva Murty, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Vedic University, Tirupati, will deliver the keynote address.

Responding to criticisms raised by a section of Syndicate members, Prof. Kunnummal countered claims that he had invited the Chancellor without consulting the decision-making body.

“While the Governor was informed of the seminar, he himself expressed interest in the subject of the programme and agreed to participate. He is probably the greatest scholar in the country who could speak on the particular topic. While I immediately convened a meeting to discuss the event, only three Syndicate members turned up for the discussion,” he said.

The Left-aligned organisations indicated the possibility of boycotting the event. Addressing media persons, Left Democratic Front-backed Syndicate members accused Prof. Kunnummal of attempting to sabotage the achievements of the university as part of his efforts to saffronise the institution. Both the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor have been scuttling the democratic nature of its functioning.

While Senate meetings are not being held on time, several financial decisions are being adopted in a unilateral manner, they alleged.

Published - December 16, 2024 09:39 pm IST