States » SouthPosted at: Oct 6 2026 7:41PM


Students clash with police during protest against Vande Mataram seminar at Central University of Kerala

Kasaragod, Oct 6 (UNI) Four students were injured on Tuesday when police and protesters clashed at the Central University of Kerala during a demonstration against a national seminar on Vande Mataram, with student organisations alleging that the event was part of a saffronisation agenda on the campus.
Activists of the SFI, NSUI, MSF and AISF attempted to enter the seminar hall, but police prevented them from proceeding inside, triggering intense pushing and shoving. The protesters alleged that police used force against them and claimed that their clothes were torn during the confrontation.
The student organisations were particularly opposed to the participation of J Nandakumar, national convenor of Pragya Pravah, as the keynote speaker at the inaugural session. They alleged that the participation of persons associated with the RSS-linked intellectual platform and the involvement of the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad pointed to an attempt to promote a saffronisation agenda at the university.
The protesters also questioned the decision to hold the programme at the university and demanded that academic institutions provide equal space to different ideological perspectives without becoming platforms for political agendas.
Nandakumar reached the university campus around 8.30 am, according to the protesters. The two-day national seminar is being held at the Library Seminar Hall on October 6 and 7 to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The programme is jointly organised by the Sahitya Akademi, Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad and the Central University of Kerala.
The organisers rejected the allegations raised by the student organisations and said the seminar was intended to examine the historical and literary dimensions of Vande Mataram. Writers, academics and experts from different fields are participating in the discussions, they said.
Police personnel were deployed in strength on the university campus in view of the protest, while access to the seminar hall was restricted. The restrictions led to heated exchanges and a scuffle between the police and protesting students.
The student organisations have threatened to intensify their agitation against the seminar and the participation of the speakers they have questioned.
UNI DS
Tags: #Students clash with police during protest against Vande Mataram seminar at Central University of Kerala
More News

Kerala supports women's access to menstrual hygiene products during travel

06 Oct 2026 | 8:11 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (UNI) The Kerala Government on Tuesday launched the WOMN (Women On the Move & Menstrual Needs) initiative to ensure easy availability of sanitary napkins for women and girls during travel and at public places.

see more..

Bypoll to lone Assembly seat in Pondy ends peacefully, 80 pc polling recorded

06 Oct 2026 | 8:08 PM

Puducherry, Oct 6 (UNI) Brisk turnout was witnessed all through the day as little over 80 per cent of the voters have cast their ballots sealing the fate of 11 candidates, as polling for the bypoll to high profile Thattanchavady Assembly seat in union Territory of Puducherry represented by the Chief Minister, passed off peacefully.

see more..

Over 80 pc turnout recorded, TN Assembly bypoll to Madurantakam, Dharapuram ends peacefully

06 Oct 2026 | 8:05 PM

Chennai, Oct 6 (UNI) With over 80 per cent of the total 4.35 lakh electorate casting their ballots sealing the fate of 49 candidates, polling for the by-elections to the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Reserved Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu passed off peacefully on Tuesday evening.

see more..

Kerala Tourism Minister launches ‘Brand Wayanad’ initiative

06 Oct 2026 | 7:58 PM

Wayanad, Oct 6 (UNI) Kerala Tourism, Cinema and Cultural Affairs Minister P. C. Vishnunadh on Tuesday launched the Tourism Department’s ‘Brand Wayanad’ initiative, aimed at positioning the district as a safe, sustainable and distinctive tourism destination by showcasing its natural, agricultural, cultural and tribal heritage.

see more..

Wayanad tourism should leverage biodiversity, experiential potential sustainably: Panellists

06 Oct 2026 | 7:52 PM

Wayanad, Oct 6 (UNI) Wayanad can emerge as a major tourism destination by harnessing its rich biodiversity and experiential potential in a sustainable manner, panellists said at a seminar held here on Monday as part of the launch of the ‘Brand Wayanad’ project.

see more..