Kerala varsity VC alleges foreign forces try to turn youngsters into 'cockroaches'

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala University Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal accused foreign entities of attempting to transform young people into cockroaches and instill drug addiction, stating that he was merely fulfilling his role as a VC. This response came in the wake of his recent comments at an event honoring top-performing students, where he compared them to strong lions instead of cockroaches.

Kunnummal explained that the students in the audience remained silent because they misunderstood his question about being a cockroach. He alleged that foreign forces were deliberately converting youngsters into cockroaches by making them drug addicts, and that he could not remain silent if he wished to maintain his position as vice chancellor.

Kunnummal also suggested that the increase in dissenting voices from abroad was not coincidental, questioning the role of international supporters in his remarks. Regarding his comments opposing Vande Mataram, Kunnummal claimed his words were misinterpreted and that he intended to promote respect for the earth. He dismissed allegations of ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and criticized the Students Federation of India (SFI) for portraying him as the demon king Mahabali during protests against him.