Keralam minister Roji flags ‘divisive agendas’ in higher education on Teachers’ Day

Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam Minister Roji M John urged higher education institutions to be bastions of independent thought and constitutional values on Teachers' Day, condemning heads of such institutions from aligning with organizations advocating divisive agendas. In a Facebook post on Teachers' Day, the state Higher Education Minister argued that forsaking the dignity of one's position for political interests undermines the essence of education and teaching.

The minister's remarks come amid tensions between the state government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Keralam's chancellor, regarding university appointments and Senate nominations. These disputes have taken on an ideological tone after some vice-chancellors engaged in an RSS program attended by its chief in June. Roji emphasized Teachers' Day should serve as a reminder of educators' duty to cultivate generations with humanity and without discrimination, referencing Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President.

He also recalled other esteemed educationists like Rabindranath Tagore, J. Abdul Kalam, and ONV Kurup, highlighting their influence in inspiring independent thinking among students. Roji criticized those who demeaned students based on caste, asserting that such behavior betrays the fundamental purpose of teaching—to forge humane individuals within the classroom.

He extended his Teachers' Day wishes to all educators who illuminate minds with knowledge and instill constitutional values and humanity in their students.