Kochi: Students affiliated with SFI staged protests at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS) on Tuesday ahead of governor Rajendra Arlekar’s visit to the varsity to inaugurate the Sree Shankara Jayanthi celebrations.
The protest was triggered by allegations that a head of department (HoD) threatened research scholars, warning of non-cooperation in academic matters if they failed to attend university events, including governor’s visit to varsity.
SFI activists held placards and banners against the governor during the demonstration, which was halted by police personnel. One of the placards read: “Governor is not king, and a university is not a palace.”
The controversy centres on a purported voice note attributed to Sanskrit Vyakarana Department HoD R D Sunil Kumar, allegedly shared in a WhatsApp group of research scholars a few days ago. In the audio, scholars were told their presence was required for, and that departmental assistance, including support for academic processes such as open defence, would depend on their level of cooperation.
Meanwhile, inaugurating the celebrations, Arlekar called for declaring Sree Shankara Jayanthi a state event and observing it on a grand scale. He described Adi Shankaracharya as a ‘priceless treasure’ who brought global recognition to Kerala and said his birth anniversary should be celebrated worldwide.
Referring to the protests, the governor said that protests are not part of India’s culture and emphasised dialogue instead. He added that the values upheld by Adi Sankara and Sree Narayana Guru should be carried forward, and those with differing views should engage in peaceful discussions.
Writer C. Radhakrishnan and Swami Narasimhananda delivered the annual lectures. Vice-chancellor Ciza Thomas and registrar Mothy George also addressed the gathering. The programme also featured a musical tribute based on Adi Shankaracharya’s works and a dance performance by university departments.
Earlier, a circular issued by SSUS in connection with the governor’s visit Jayanthi celebrations had triggered controversy. The circular, which sought those attending the event to wear ID cards and follow behavioural norms inside the venue, also sought attendees to stand up during the arrival of the governor as well as to make controlled applause after governor’s speech. However, the circular was revoked after protests from student groups at the university, and a fresh circular was issued.
