In a significant move aimed at fostering patriotism and tightening campus governance, Kerala Governor and Chancellor of Universities, Rajendra Arlekar, has issued a series of directives to the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of state universities. The instructions focus on two major fronts: celebrating a national milestone and enforcing stricter discipline within academic institutions.
Commemorating a Patriotic Legacy
The Governor has mandated all universities to observe the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, in a befitting manner. This directive aligns with the instructions from the central government. Chancellor Arlekar emphasized that the ideals of India's freedom struggle must be disseminated across all sections of society.
To achieve this, universities have been asked to organize a range of activities including competitions and cultural events centered around Vande Mataram. The goal is to use this historic occasion to instill a sense of national pride and historical awareness among students and faculty.
Crackdown on Campus Discipline and Safety
Moving beyond celebrations, the Governor addressed pressing concerns regarding campus safety and administration. He instructed the Vice-Chancellors to strictly follow hostel rules and enforce discipline on campus. This call for order comes in the wake of serious incidents that have raised alarms about student safety.
In a concrete step to address campus violence, it was decided to constitute a high-level committee. This panel will be headed by Mohanan Kunnummel, the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University. The committee's primary mandate is to provide concrete, actionable suggestions for containing violence and unrest on university and academic campuses across the state.
Committee Formed After Tragic Student Death
The formation of this anti-violence committee is a direct consequence of a previous committee's recommendations. That earlier committee was formed to investigate the violent incident that led to the tragic death of Sidharthan, a veterinary student, at the campus of the Veterinary University in Wayanad last year.
The Governor's latest instructions are built upon the findings and suggestions of that inquiry, highlighting an administrative push to prevent such tragedies in the future. The new committee under VC Mohanan Kunnummel is expected to develop a robust framework to ensure safer educational environments.
These dual directives from the Chancellor's office signal a concerted effort to balance cultural commemoration with administrative reform. While universities will buzz with activities honoring Vande Mataram's 150-year journey, parallel measures aim to clamp down on indiscipline and create a secure, conducive atmosphere for learning. The success of these initiatives will depend heavily on their implementation by the respective university administrations across Kerala.
