2 weeks ago
Kerala University VC: Vande Mataram Opponents Don't Know Their Mother
An important leader of a big university in Kerala, a man named Mohanan Kunnummal, gave a speech at a big meeting.
He talked about a famous Indian song called 'Vande Mataram', which praises India like a mother.
He said that people who do not want to sing this song do not know who their own mother is.
He explained that India is often called 'Mother India', and that is why people sing 'Vande Mataram'.
Some student groups, called SFI and KSU, were not happy with his words.
They think he is bringing the ideas of a group called the RSS into the university.
Two political groups, called LDF and UDF, also complained about him.
They said his appointment as university leader was an attempt to change Kerala's schools and universities.
The Kerala government did not sing 'Vande Mataram' at its Independence Day event.
Many people in Kerala are now arguing about his speech.
Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal said those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' do not know who their mother is.
He made the remarks at an RSS youth meet, 'Sankalp 2026 Yuva Sangamam', held at Manivila in Thiruvananthapuram.
Student organisations SFI and KSU alleged Kunnummal is attempting to implement the RSS agenda at Kerala University.
LDF and UDF questioned his appointment as vice-chancellor by the Kerala Governor, alleging an attempt to 'saffronise' Kerala's education system.
The Kerala state government did not recite 'Vande Mataram' at its official Independence Day celebrations despite a Union government directive.
- Who
- Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal, criticised by student organisations SFI and KSU and political fronts LDF and UDF
- What
- Controversy over Kunnummal's remark that those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' do not know who their mother is, made at an RSS youth meet
- Where
- Manivila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- When
- On a Saturday in August 2026, around India's Independence Day celebrations
- Why
- Kunnummal said India is 'Mother India' and should be honoured with 'Vande Mataram'; critics allege it reflects an RSS agenda to 'saffronise' Kerala's education system
Critics (SFI, KSU, LDF, UDF)
Supporters of the VC's Stand
Reciting 'Vande Mataram'
Critics (SFI, KSU, LDF, UDF)
Opposing the demand to recite 'Vande Mataram' is legitimate and not a sign of ignorance; critics see the push to recite the national song as part of an RSS agenda, noting the state government did not recite it at its official Independence Day celebrations.
Supporters of the VC's Stand
Reciting 'Vande Mataram' honours India as 'Mother India' (Bharat Mata); Kunnummal argued that those who oppose saying it do not know who their mother is, while people who understand what a mother is will always say it.
Vice-Chancellor Appointment
Critics (SFI, KSU, LDF, UDF)
LDF and UDF allege Kunnummal's appointment by the Kerala Governor is an attempt to 'saffronise' Kerala's education system, citing vice-chancellors' alleged participation in RSS-organised events; UDF also objected to some interim vice-chancellor appointments.
Supporters of the VC's Stand
In Kerala the Governor serves as Chancellor of universities and appoints vice-chancellors, so Kunnummal's appointment follows the university framework.
Key facts
- Vice-Chancellor
- Mohanan Kunnummal, Kerala University
- Event
- RSS youth meet 'Sankalp 2026 Yuva Sangamam'
- Location
- Manivila, Thiruvananthapuram
- Key remark
- Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' do not know who their mother is
- Accusing groups
- SFI and KSU allege RSS agenda at Kerala University
- Appointment
- Appointed by the Kerala Governor, who serves as Chancellor of universities
- Political allegations
- LDF and UDF allege attempt to 'saffronise' Kerala's education system
- Context
- Kerala government did not recite 'Vande Mataram' at official Independence Day celebrations
Quotes
Mohanan Kunnummal
Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University
“"Those who oppose saying 'Vande Mataram' are those who do not know who their mother is."”
rediff.com
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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