4 students injured as protest erupts at Central University of Kerala during Vande Mataram seminar

Students’ organisations, including the SFI, NSUI, MSF and AISF, clash with the police while protesting against a national seminar on Vande Mataram organised at the Central University of Kerala on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) | Photo Credit: special arrangement Four students were reportedly injured during clashes between the police and student protesters at the Central University of Kerala (CUK) in Kasaragod where various student organisations were protesting against a national seminar on Vande Mataram on Tuesday (October 6, 2026). The students alleged that the police assaulted them during the confrontation and tore their clothes while trying to control the protesters.The scuffle broke out on the university campus as members of SFI, NSUI, MSF and AISF attempted to enter the seminar hall where the programme was being held. The police prevented the protesting students from entering the venue, leading to a confrontation and heated exchanges. The students later alleged that they were subjected to physical force during the incident.The national seminar is being held on October 6 and 7 as part of events marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The programme is jointly organised by the Sahitya Akademi, Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad and CUK.Student groups allege saffronisation bidThe SFI, NSUI, MSF and AISF have alleged that the seminar is part of an attempt to “advance a saffronisation agenda” at the university. They have also raised objections to the participation of individuals they claim have ideological links with the RSS.The student organisations have particularly pointed to the participation of J. Nandakumar, national convener of Prajna Pravah, as the keynote speaker at the inaugural session. Prajna Pravah is described by the protesters as an intellectual wing associated with the RSS. The students have also objected to the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad being a co-organiser of the seminar. Anticipating protests, Mr. Nandakumar had reached the campus by 8.30 a.m.The protesters had earlier raised concerns over the title of the programme, the role of its organisers and backgrounds of some of the speakers. They demanded that universities provide equal space to all ideological viewpoints and should not be turned into platforms for political agendas.Organisers defend seminarThe organisers, however, maintained that the seminar had been organised to discuss the historical and literary dimensions of Vande Mataram on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. They said writers and academic experts from various fields were participating in the two-day event.Security tightenedSecurity was earlier strengthened on the campus in view of the protests. Tensions escalated after the police restricted entry to the seminar hall, resulting in verbal exchanges and physical clashes between the students and the police.The protesting student organisations have said they will intensify their agitation against the seminar. Published - October 06, 2026 01:44 pm IST