Kerala University V-C’s Vande Mataram remark kicks up row
Mohanan Kunnummal says those opposing singing ofVande Mataram did not know who their mother was
The Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Kerala University, Mohanan Kunnummal, sparked controversy once more on Saturday when he stated that those opposing the singing of Vande Mataram did not know who their mother was. He made this remark during the Independence Day message at Sankalp 2026, a youth gathering organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Kunnummal emphasized that, as far as India was concerned, a mother was paramount, which is why the term Bharatamba and singing Vande Mataram were used. He explained that Vande Mataram was sung because Bharat, the motherland, is significant. Those who did not understand the concept of motherland would eventually grasp its importance.
Kunnummal clarified that his reference to motherland was part of a lengthy speech and referred to the motherland in Eastern tradition, while the Western tradition used 'fatherland'. He emphasized that for Indians, the motherland was of utmost importance, hence the reference to Vande Mataram. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) strongly condemned Kunnummal's remarks, with SFI State Secretary P.S.
Sanjeev condemning the Vice-Chancellor's conduct on social media. When contacted, Kunnummal stated that his reference to motherland was a part of the broader context of his speech and that understanding the concept of motherland would come with time.
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