Archive · 12 Nov 2025
SFI Protests Kerala University VC Over Alleged Casteist Remarks by Dean
Students at Kerala University are protesting because a professor, Dr. Vijayakumari, is accused of saying hurtful things based on someone's caste to a student who is working on their PhD.
The students, from a group called SFI, are very upset and want the professor to be punished.
They even blocked the car of the main leader of the university, the Vice Chancellor, because they think he is protecting the professor.
The professor says she didn't say anything about caste.
She says she didn't sign the student's important paper because she believes the student didn't know enough Sanskrit and the work had problems, maybe even copied from somewhere else.
The police have started a case against the professor because of these accusations.
SFI activists intensified protests at Kerala University against Dean Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari for alleged casteist remarks towards a PhD scholar.
Protesters blocked Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal's vehicle and demanded action against the Dean.
A case was registered against Dr. Vijayakumari under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on the scholar's complaint.
Dr. Vijayakumari denies the allegations, stating she refused to sign the thesis due to the scholar's insufficient knowledge and issues with the work, including alleged plagiarism.
SFI also accused the Vice Chancellor of shielding the professor and alleged her association with Sangh Parivar.
- Who
- Activists of Students' Federation of India (SFI), CPM members, Kerala University Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, Dean of Sanskrit Department Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari, and PhD scholar Vipin Vijayan.
- What
- SFI activists intensified their protest against Kerala University Dean Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari for alleged casteist remarks against a PhD scholar, blocking the Vice Chancellor's vehicle and demanding action.
- When
- Recent events, with a specific mention of a case registered on November 9th and an incident on October 15th.
- Where
- Kerala University Senate campus in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Why
- SFI activists are protesting alleged casteist remarks made by Dean Vijayakumari and accuse the Vice Chancellor of shielding her and her alleged affiliation with Sangh Parivar. CPM members previously demanded the Dean's expulsion in a University Senate meeting.
SFI Activists & CPM Members
Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari (Dean)
Allegations of Casteist Remarks
SFI Activists & CPM Members
Accuse Dean C. N. Vijayakumari of making casteist remarks towards a PhD scholar and demand strict action, including her expulsion.
Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari (Dean)
Denies making casteist remarks, stating the refusal to sign the thesis was due to the scholar's insufficient knowledge of Sanskrit and issues with his work, including alleged plagiarism.
Vice Chancellor's Role
SFI Activists & CPM Members
Accuse the Vice Chancellor of shielding the professor and allege that Vijayakumari is associated with the Sangh Parivar.
Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari (Dean)
The Vice Chancellor's actions, such as his vehicle being blocked and police intervention, suggest a stance against the disruptive protest, but no direct statement on shielding the professor is provided.
- Location
- Kerala University Senate campus, Thiruvananthapuram
- Protesting Group
- Students' Federation of India (SFI), CPM members
- Key Figures Involved
- Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, Dean of Sanskrit Department Dr. C. N. Vijayakumari, PhD scholar Vipin Vijayan
- Reason for Protest
- Allegations of casteist remarks by Dean Vijayakumari against a PhD scholar; SFI also accuses VC of shielding the Dean and her alleged Sangh Parivar affiliation.
- Dean's Allegation Details
- Refused to sign PhD thesis of scholar Vipin Vijayan after his open defense, allegedly made casteist remarks when approached again.
- Dean's Defense
- Denies casteist remarks, states refusal to sign thesis was due to scholar's lack of Sanskrit knowledge and issues with his work, including alleged plagiarism.
- Legal Action
- Case registered against Dean Vijayakumari under sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
