Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Kerala University VC Defends Cockroach Remarks, Blames Foreign Forces
Kerala University Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal used the word “cockroaches” while talking about young people.
He said foreign forces were trying to weaken youngsters and make them addicted to drugs.
His comments followed a ceremony where he compared students with strong lions instead of cockroaches.
He asked students to respond, but only one or two spoke.
Kunnummal said the students were too young to understand his question.
He also said that his comments about people opposing Vande Mataram had been misunderstood.
Critics have questioned his remarks and alleged political connections.
Kunnummal accused protesters from the Students’ Federation of India of burying an effigy of him as Mahabali.
Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal alleged that foreign forces were turning young people into drug addicts and “cockroaches.”
He made the comments while defending remarks comparing students with strong lions at an award ceremony.
Only one or two students responded when he asked the audience to say they were not cockroaches.
Kunnummal said the young audience had not understood his metaphor and that his remarks about Vande Mataram were misinterpreted.
He criticised Students’ Federation of India protesters, alleging they buried an effigy portraying him as Mahabali.
- Who
- Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University, and protesting Students’ Federation of India activists.
- What
- Kunnummal defended his “cockroach” remarks, alleged foreign efforts to promote drug addiction among youngsters, and rejected criticism of his Vande Mataram comments.
- When
- Saturday, August 22.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Why
- Kunnummal said resisting efforts that allegedly harm young people is part of a vice chancellor’s responsibility.
Critics and protesters
Vice Chancellor’s defense
“Cockroaches” comparison
Critics and protesters
Critics questioned Kunnummal’s language and the largely silent response from students at the ceremony.
Vice Chancellor’s defense
Kunnummal said he was warning that foreign forces were weakening young people and that the children had not understood his metaphor.
Vande Mataram remarks
Critics and protesters
Critics interpreted his alleged statement about opponents of Vande Mataram as an objectionable comment about not knowing one’s mother.
Vice Chancellor’s defense
Kunnummal said his words were distorted and that he intended to discuss respect for the Earth.
Political allegations and protests
Critics and protesters
The Students’ Federation of India has protested against Kunnummal, while critics have questioned alleged links to the RSS.
Vice Chancellor’s defense
Kunnummal said people who believe in RSS ideology already govern the country and accused people with malicious intentions of distorting his remarks.
- Speaker
- Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University
- Allegation
- Kunnummal said some foreign forces were trying to turn youngsters into “cockroaches” and drug addicts.
- Original event
- A ceremony honouring students who excelled in competitive examinations.
- Audience response
- Only one or two students responded when asked to raise their voices.
- Vande Mataram explanation
- Kunnummal said his remarks were misinterpreted and were intended to refer to respecting the Earth.
- Protesting group
- The Students’ Federation of India has staged protests against him over various issues.
- Effigy allegation
- Kunnummal alleged that SFI activists portrayed him as Mahabali and buried the effigy outside the university.
