Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John on Saturday criticised the association of heads of higher education institutions with organisations promoting what he described as “divisive agendas”, in an apparent reference to vice-chancellors who participated in an RSS programme attended by its chief Mohan Bhagwat in June.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) plans to conclude its ongoing centenary celebrations with a programme in the national capital in November, to be addressed by its chief Mohan Bhagwat, HT reported earlier. The minister’s remarks come amid differences between the state government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is chancellor of universities in Kerala, over various issues concerning state universities, including the appointment of vice-chancellors and nomination of Senate members. The issue also acquired an ideological dimension after some vice-chancellors participated in an RSS programme attended by its chief, Mohan Bhagwat, in June. “The celebrations began in Nagpur and will conclude with a programme in Delhi, to be addressed by sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat. “In many states, he interacted with prominent people and heads of other faiths, and addressed smaller gatherings.
The Delhi programme is likely to be held on November 29. The organisation, credited with mobilising support for the BJP through a vast network of cadres linked to its more than 40 affiliates, has been expanding its footprint across the country and strengthening its overseas outreach. Bhagwat attended programmes in nearly all of the 46 prants, or provinces, besides delivering public addresses in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru, the functionary said.
“Such tendencies, which surrender the privilege of academic autonomy before narrow political interests, question the very essence of education and teaching,” the state Higher Education minister said. As part of the celebrations, programmes were held across India and abroad,” a functionary said. Several senior functionaries, including Dattatreya Hosabale, also travelled extensively,” the functionary said.
