Vice-chancellor PK Radhakrishnan accused of insulting Dalit teachers

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala University syndicate meeting was disrupted for nearly two hours following allegations that vice-chancellor P.K. Radhakrishnan was repeatedly insulting teachers’ representatives in the syndicate – P.M. Radhamony and K. Manickyaraj. Both of these teachers belonged to the Dalit community. The issue was raised by syndicate member and KPCC secretary Jyothikumar Chamakala, who demanded an apology from the vice-chancellor. The arguments of Mr Chamakala were supported by syndicate members cutting across party lines.

CPM members K.H. Babujan, A.A. Rahim and K Shaji also supported Mr Chamakala. However, the vice-chancellor ignored syndicate members’ call for apology. Following this a pandemonium broke out in the meeting forcing the vice-chancellor to adjourn the meeting for two hours. Even when the meeting resumed, the vice-chancellor did not agree to issue an apology. At this juncture the syndicate members made clear that they would be forced to pass a resolution against the vice-chancellor. The vice-chancellor said that though he honoured the sentiments of the syndicate members, he would not apologise.

Details on Lakshmy Nair’s appointment

The syndicate meeting also decided to seek the appointment details of former Kerala Law Academy Law College Principal Lakshmy Nair. This was following a complaint submitted by Syndicate member M. Jeevanlal alleging that Ms Nair had completed her MA and LLB during the same time as it was against rules.