After being defeated through Operation Sindoor by military forces, the separatist elements are now relying on academic spaces to spread their victimhood narrative through seminars — and such an attempt was thwarted at the University of Calicut on May 15.
Prof. P. Raveendran, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calicut, ordered the cancellation of a seminar that had been organised without his knowledge, under the auspices of the EMS Chair. Dr Syeda Saiyidain Hameed was scheduled to address the seminar on Kashmiriyat and Hyper Majoritarianism. Syeda Saiyidain, a native of Kashmir, has delivered controversial speeches in the past, including ones in Pakistan.
The organisers chose to invite the controversial speaker, Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, to the seminar without informing the Vice Chancellor, who is also the Governing Body Chairman of the Chairs at the University. The fact that the Vice Chancellor was not informed in writing is itself suspicious. Publicity for the seminar had already begun, with posters announcing that it would be held at 3 p.m. on May 15 in the Chair Hall.
Calicut University Syndicate member A.K. Anuraj said that the topic Kashmiriyat and Hyper Majoritarianism hints at the idea of a separate Kashmir, and hence the intent behind such seminars is questionable. He said that recurring attacks by Pakistan and Islamic terrorists have caused profuse bleeding of the Motherland. It is shocking, he noted, that the EMS Chair would organise such a seminar in these circumstances. He welcomed the decisive action taken by the Vice Chancellor.
Anuraj added that Bharat has long resisted attacks from Pakistan. Despite continued provocations from across the border, we have not retaliated in kind. Instead, we have focused on tracing and eliminating the terrorists. Halting the seminar was the right step, especially at a time when state governments across party lines are standing with the Union Government during Operation Sindoor.
The issue at Calicut University follows closely on the heels of a similar attempt at Kerala University, which was “nipped in the bud” by VC Dr Mohan Kunnummel. The strong action taken by Calicut University is a clear indication that the senior leadership within the academic realm in the state is prepared to uphold national interests — come what may.
