Incident Overview
On Friday, the convocation ceremony at Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam was abruptly halted due to disruption by SFI workers. These workers were demanding the revocation of the suspension of 16 students at the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady.
Certificate Distribution
Following the disruption, the students who were unable to receive their certificates directly from Higher Education Minister Roji M John were met at St Mary’s LPS, Angamaly, on Saturday. They collected their certificates there.
Official Condemnation
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) strongly condemned the SFI activists’ actions, describing them as “criminal” and alleging they created an “atmosphere of intimidation.” The CMO stated that the SFI leadership should apologize to the students, their parents, and the public.
Minister’s Response
Roji M John stated that the convocation ceremony requires specific discipline and protocol. He suggested that students raise their questions after the event, as he had already addressed some of their concerns before departing. He also described the protest at Kalady as “uncivilised and violent.”
University Autonomy Concerns
Professor Amrith G Kumar, from the Central University of Kerala, expressed concern that the disruption deprived students and their parents of a significant event. He argued that autonomous institutions should not be subject to direct intervention by a minister, which could compromise their autonomy. He suggested students focus on expediting the inquiry or resolution of the suspension issue at the Kalady university.
Opposition Criticism
Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the alleged cyberattacks against SFI activist Nafeesathul Misriya, who questioned the minister, and the police action against students involved in the incident. He described these actions as undemocratic and inhumane.
Next Steps
The CMO warned of strict action against those responsible for the disruption. The decision regarding the suspension of students at the Kalady university remains with the university itself.
Source: The New Indian Express. Featured image credit: The New Indian Express.
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