The Kerala Police have registered a case against 25 students from the Central University of Kerala (CUK) following protests that disrupted a national seminar on Vande Mataram. The incident took place at the university library hall, where students protested against the seminar's chief organiser and university proctor, K Sreekumar. The police action was initiated suo motu by the Bekal Police after the students allegedly gathered in a group and disrupted the event.
- 25 students booked for disrupting the Vande Mataram seminar at CUK.
- Protesters raised slogans and switched off the microphone during the event.
- Clashes occurred between Students Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
- SFI accused the university administration of bias and promoting a divisive agenda.
- Concerns raised about the emphasis on Vande Mataram over Jana Gana Mana.
Why did the students protest during the Vande Mataram seminar?
The protest began when students raised 'Go Back' slogans against K Sreekumar, the programme’s chief organiser and the university’s proctor. They switched off the microphone while he was speaking, demanding that the seminar be called off. The students opposed the seminar, believing it promoted a divisive agenda beyond the opening lines of Vande Mataram.
What were the main points of conflict during the protest?
There was a verbal confrontation between the Students Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), along with other student organisations. The SFI accused the university administration of conducting the seminar after removing students from the venue. They also alleged that the vice-chancellor was closely aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which influenced the seminar's agenda.
What concerns did the Students Federation of India raise?
Sanjeev, a representative of the SFI, stated that students across India, including SFI members, sing the opening lines of Vande Mataram. However, he claimed that promoting portions beyond these lines amounted to advancing a communal and divisive agenda. He further alleged that the Sangh Parivar was planning to organise similar programmes in universities nationwide, focusing on Vande Mataram rather than the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, as part of a communal strategy.
How did the police respond to the protests?
The Bekal Police registered a case suo motu against 25 students who allegedly disrupted the seminar by gathering in a group and raising slogans. The police action followed reports of the students switching off microphones and interrupting the event. Additionally, the SFI claimed that Kerala police had attacked their activists during protests against the seminar.
What is the significance of the Vande Mataram seminar controversy?
The controversy highlights tensions within university campuses regarding national symbols and political affiliations. The protest and subsequent police action reflect broader debates about nationalism, communalism, and student activism in India. The incident at CUK serves as a case study of how educational institutions can become arenas for political and ideological conflicts.
