Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has urged higher education institutions to uphold academic freedom, independent thinking and constitutional values, warning against their leaders associating with organisations promoting divisive agendas.
In a Teachers’ Day message, Roji said institutions of higher education must remain spaces for independent thought and should not allow academic autonomy to be influenced by narrow political interests.
His remarks come amid ongoing differences between the Kerala government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who serves as chancellor of state universities, over issues including the appointment of vice-chancellors and nomination of Senate members. The debate gained further attention after some vice-chancellors attended an RSS programme addressed by its chief, Mohan Bhagwat, in June.
The minister also stressed that teachers have a responsibility to build an inclusive and humane society. Referring to incidents of caste-based humiliation of students, he said those responsible had failed to understand the true purpose of education.
Recalling the contributions of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and other renowned educators, Roji said teachers should encourage students to question, think independently and uphold constitutional values.
He extended Teachers’ Day greetings to educators across the country, describing them as those who “dispel darkness with knowledge” and help shape future generations.
