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

Kerala University Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal accused foreign entities of attempting to transform youth into "cockroaches" and push them toward drug addiction during a public statement on Saturday. The claim came after Kunnummal faced backlash for remarks made at an event celebrating students who excelled in competitive exams. During the event, he reportedly asked students to identify themselves as "cockroaches" or "strong lions," prompting limited responses. Kunnummal explained that the children present were too young to grasp the metaphor and that only a few students had reacted. In response to the controversy, Kunnummal addressed a television channel, alleging that foreign forces were actively working to undermine Indian youth. He stated that these groups sought to corrupt young people through drug abuse and other harmful influences. Kunnummal emphasized that his actions were aligned with the responsibilities of a vice chancellor, arguing that he could not remain passive in the face of such threats. He further noted that some students later informed him they had not heard his remarks and suggested that older students might have responded more strongly. Kunnummal also tackled accusations regarding his comments on the national song "Vande Mataram." He clarified that his intent was to highlight respect for the Earth rather than making a political statement. He accused critics of misrepresenting his words and branding him with labels such as "Sanghi," which he claimed were used to discredit him with ulterior motives. Kunnummal asserted that only individuals with malicious intentions had twisted his statements into contentious issues. Addressing allegations of affiliations with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Kunnummal stated that the nation's leadership adhered to RSS principles and that his assistance was unnecessary. He reiterated that his role as a vice chancellor required him to take a firm stance against perceived threats to national values. This remark drew attention to broader ideological tensions within educational institutions. Kunnummal also criticized the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI). He alleged that SFI members had staged protests against him and even depicted him as the mythological figure Mahabali, burying an effigy of the character before the university. These incidents underscored the ongoing conflicts between different political factions within academic circles. The situation reflects a complex interplay of political ideologies and institutional roles. Kunnummal’s claims of external influence align with concerns raised by some educators and policymakers about the impact of globalized media and international organizations on domestic youth culture. His assertions have sparked discussions about the balance between free expression and national identity in educational settings. As the controversy continues, the university community awaits further developments and clarifications from both sides.