Kerala minister takes dig at university heads attending RSS events: ‘Not befitting of a democratic society’

Kerala's Higher Education Minister Roji M John expressed disapproval on Saturday for university heads collaborating with organizations that promote agendas he deemed "divisive". This remark was likely in response to vice-chancellors attending an RSS program attended by its chief, Mohan Bhagwat, in June. In a Facebook post on Teachers' Day, the minister stated that it is "not at all befitting of a democratic society" for those leading institutions of higher education, which should stand for independent thought and constitutional values, to abandon the dignity of their positions and attend platforms that endorse divisive agendas.

This incident has added an ideological dimension to the ongoing differences between the state government and the Governor, who is the chancellor of Kerala's universities, regarding various issues, including the appointment of vice-chancellors and Senate members.

The controversy arose after some vice-chancellors participated in an RSS program attended by its chief, Mohan Bhagwat, in June. Roji had previously criticized their involvement, asserting that holding the position of a vice-chancellor signifies academic and administrative neutrality. He contended that allowing narrow political interests to overshadow academic autonomy undermines the very essence of education and teaching.

Meanwhile, the RSS is planning to conclude its centenary celebrations with a program in the national capital, to be addressed by its chief, Mohan Bhagwat. The celebrations, which began in Nagpur last year on Vijayadashami, are set to conclude on November 29 in Delhi. The RSS, serving as the ideological foundation for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has been rapidly expanding its reach across India and internationally.