Political row erupts ahead of Kerala University special convocation

A political controversy has erupted ahead of Kerala University’s special convocation on October 26, with the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed Syndicate members announcing a boycott of the ceremony.

The university is set to confer honorary degrees upon four eminent national figures at the convocation ceremony in recognition of their outstanding contributions to science, literature, cinema and sports.

Former ISRO chairperson K. Radhakrishnan will be awarded the Doctor of Science (DSc) Honoris Causa. Veteran actor Madhu, acclaimed poet, lyricist and filmmaker Sreekumaran Thampi, and Olympic medalist and former captain of the Indian hockey team P.R. Sreejesh are scheduled to receive the Doctor of Letters (DLitt) Honoris Causa.

Keralam Governor and University Chancellor Om Prakash Mathur will preside over the ceremony. Higher Education Minister and University Pro-Chancellor Roji M. John and Health Minister K. Muraleedharan are also expected to attend the event.

However, in a formal letter to the Vice-Chancellor, seven LDF-affiliated Syndicate members announced that they would stay away from the convocation, citing alleged undemocratic practices and politically motivated administrative decisions as the basis for their protest.

The Syndicate members raised concern over a purported deterioration in the university’s academic and administrative function, despite securing a NAAC A++ accreditation.

They also pointed to the prolonged absence of a regular, full-time Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and other statutory officers. The lack of permanent leadership had weakened the functioning of the institution, they alleged.

The letter also accused the administration of arbitrarily reconstituting committees including academic bodies to serve political interests. Besides, retaliatory transfers of non-teaching staff are being implemented in violation of established norms. Such frequent shifting of experienced staff from crucial academic, administrative and examination sections have disrupted research and regulation academic activities.

Reacting sharply to the boycott, pro-UDF Syndicate members condemned the move as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish a historic occasion, particularly one being held after a hiatus of seven years.

Besides, the boycott of the ceremony would amount to immense disrespect towards both the university and the distinguished awardees, they stated.