Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal has faced backlash after stating that those who oppose the rendition of Vande Mataram do not understand their duty to their motherland.
The comments were made during an Independence Day event, drawing sharp criticism from student unions and political groups who argue the statement is exclusionary and politically motivated.
The university administration has yet to issue a formal clarification, as the debate over the role of national symbols in academic institutions continues to intensify in the state.