Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal has alleged that certain foreign forces are attempting to mislead young people and destroy them by pushing them into drug addiction. He said measures are being taken to curb such influences.
Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, Kunnummal referred to recent trends in which students are, in his view, being guided onto the wrong path. He reiterated that students should be seen as strong and capable, not demeaned.
His remarks drew criticism after he had earlier said at a felicitation event for students who cleared competitive examinations that “students are not cockroaches; they are powerful lions.” Some groups said the comment was an indirect attack linked to a recent protest in Delhi, and student organisations, including the Indian Students Federation, staged protests against him.
In a private TV programme, the Vice-Chancellor said his statements were being twisted by those with “bad intentions.” He claimed the developments were not accidental and pointed to an instance of a youth arriving from the United States and receiving support, arguing that a Vice-Chancellor must reflect on such issues and act.
Responding to criticism that he had insulted those opposing the song “Vande Mataram,” Kunnummal said his words had been misunderstood.
