The much-publicised release of Theerdhapadapuranam, the biographical kavya of Chattampi Swami ji, at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit turned into a controversy, reflecting the Communist government’s questionable approach to social justice narratives. What was officially declared as a prestigious book launch ultimately concluded without any actual release, raising serious concerns over intent, accountability, and institutional credibility.
The book Theerdhapadapuranam, a classical poetic composition authored by Prof. A.V. Sankaran, compiled in 11 volumes in a single gift box priced at Rs 6,600, was ready for release. The work, which took more than 18 years to complete, had been handed over to Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, in 1998.
The release programme was scheduled for April 19, marking the Mahasamadhi Day of Swami ji, with the Governor slated to release it at Panmana Ashram founded by Kumabalath Sanku Pillai, the beloved disciple of Chattampi Swami ji.
However, what went wrong soon turned the event into an embarrassment — upon examination, several volumes contained nothing but neatly cut white papers inside the ornate covers. Only a few volumes had actual printed content, exposing what appears to be a shocking case of negligence, if not deliberate malpractice, in the preparation of the publication.
But the release did not take place, thanks to the timely intervention of Prof. (Dr.) Ciza Thomas, the Vice Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. The VC expressed regret in the presence of the Governor. Thus, the design to release the ‘fake work’ was aborted.
Rajendra Viswanath Arlekkar attended the programme. The invitation card displayed the book release in bold letters. When the Vice Chancellor examined the book scheduled for release, it was truly shocking. Only four volumes had been printed properly, while white papers were the only “contents” in the remaining volumes. Accordingly, the VC cancelled the book release, even though it was part of the planned schedule.
ശ്രീ വിദ്യാധിരാജ ചട്ടമ്പി സ്വാമികളുടെ 102-ാമത് സമാധി ആഘോഷം ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട ഗവർണർ ശ്രീ രാജേന്ദ്ര് വിശ്വനാഥ് ആർലേക്കർ കൊല്ലം പന്മന ആശ്രമത്തിൽ ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്തു. pic.twitter.com/Exkwaa9j72
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) April 19, 2026
After the author handed over the manuscript to the university in 1988, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s government (Congress-led UDF) had allocated Rs 30 lakhs for publishing the book.
Several people, especially the family members of Prof. Sankaran, had come to Panmana Ashram to buy the books. They had to return empty-handed. The primary report suggests that high officials are behind the “fake book” drama.
The Save University Campaign Committee has presented a memorandum before the Governor and the VC urging a comprehensive investigation into the fraudulent attempt at book release.
Chattampi Swami ji (1853–1924) was a 19th-century Yogi, social reformer, and intellectual. He challenged caste injustices and the priestly monopoly on education. He, along with Sree Narayana Gurudev (1856–1928), led a spiritual life and inspired hundreds of youths towards social reform and the spiritual path. Swami ji took a strong line against the proselytisation of backward communities by Christian priests.
This is the classical example of what is happening in universities under CPM supremacy.
