In a contentious turn of events, the Students Federation of India (SFI) at the Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, has sparked outrage by erecting derogatory posters during preparations for the “CANCAMA” Arts Festival scheduled from June 26 to 29, 2024. The posters, which depict a naked representation of Bharat Mata draped with the national tricolour and desecrated by two figures stepping on the flag, have drawn severe criticism for their alleged anti-national sentiments.
The SFI, known for its allegiance to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and wielding considerable influence within the university, has defended the installations as part of an “anti-Fascist” stance. The theme of this year’s festival, titled “Survival,” includes boards expressing solidarity with Palestine, Manipur, and sexual minorities, which the Student’s Council claims are essential displays of social justice and political awareness.
Despite the festival’s postponement due to various logistical challenges earlier this year, including the death of the Vice Chancellor and subsequent administrative disruptions, tensions have escalated with the erection of these provocative displays.
The Student’s Council, dominated by SFI members, has accused the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of attempting to suppress their freedom of expression by removing the boards.
Afterwards, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), an organisation inspired by the Sangh (RSS), approached the Charge Vice-Chancellor. Despite their appeal, he refrained from taking immediate action and instead deployed security personnel on campus to prevent ABVP workers from removing the controversial boards again. The Charge VC reportedly advised ABRSM teachers against any actions that might provoke the SFI members.
Later that day, around 5 PM on June 21, the Sangh-inspired Janam Malayalam TV channel broke the story. Responding swiftly, Dr. K. Jayaprasad, a professor and former PVC, who holds a senior position within ABRSM, notified the university’s Comptroller. Subsequently, the Charge VC ordered the removal of the offensive boards.
The Students’ Council at the university comprises 54 members, with 39 affiliated with SFI, six with ABVP, and the remainder representing organizations like NSUI and the Ambedkar Students Association. Key leadership positions such as President, General Secretary, and Treasurer are held by SFI members, indicating their substantial influence over the council’s decisions.
The erection of these anti-national boards, designed to disparage the university’s image, has drawn considerable national attention. Such controversies have led to declining student enrollments and a tarnished reputation for universities across Kerala. Dr. K. Jayaprasad highlighted that 37 per cent of degree seats in various state universities remain vacant due to the negative impact of unpleasant campus politics, criminal activities, and drug influence.
The Central University of Kerala, known for its academic excellence and previously peaceful campus environment, now faces scrutiny over the disruptive influence of political agendas on its cultural activities. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on student enrollment and the university’s standing in national rankings, with reports indicating a decline in applications due to perceived campus instability and negative publicity.
Dr. Jayaprasad emphasised the need for positive campus politics and responsible media engagement to safeguard the university’s integrity and academic standards. He underscored the adverse effects of such controversies on Kerala’s higher education sector, urging authorities to prioritise constructive dialogue and governance over partisan agendas.
The incident has reignited debates on freedom of expression versus national symbols’ sanctity, echoing past controversies over artistic freedoms and cultural sensitivity in public discourse. As stakeholders continue to debate the implications, the university community awaits decisive action from authorities to restore harmony and uphold its educational mission amidst mounting challenges.
Due to the absolute patronage of the CPM, their political backers, the SFI continues to propagate their anti-national agenda unchecked. During the tenure of a previous CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, the Ministry of Culture awarded the Ravi Varma Puraskar to artist M.F. Hussein, a controversial painter known for creating provocative images of Bharat Mata and Hindu goddesses. This decision sparked protests from Hindu and nationalist organisations.
At the time, the Minister of Culture, M.A. Baby (currently a member of the CPM Polit Bureau), defended Hussein’s paintings as expressions of freedom. He argued that portraying revered figures in a controversial manner falls under the purview of artistic liberty. Conversely, any opposition to such depictions was labelled as fascist. It’s worth noting that Ravi Varma, a renowned painter born in Kerala in 1848, created iconic portraits of Hindu Goddesses that are revered as authentic representations by many worshippers.
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