A contentious decision by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) led students union at the University of Kerala has sparked uproar, as the institution’s annual youth festival was proposed to be named ‘intifada’, an Arabic term commonly associated with the Palestinian resistance against Israel.
‘Intifada’, which translates to ‘shaking off’ in Arabic, holds significant historical and political connotations, particularly among Palestinians, as it symbolizes their struggle against Israeli occupation.
The move prompted swift reactions, with Kerala University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, issuing directives to remove the word from all promotional materials, including posters and social media platforms. The decision followed a complaint lodged by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which also petitioned Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, the university’s chancellor.
In their complaint, ABVP’s state secretary, EU Eswaraprasad, raised concerns about the use of ‘intifada’, citing its association with extremist elements and terrorist activities. Eswaraprasad pointed out the Indian government’s ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates, alleging that some social media accounts linked to the banned outfit had rebranded as ‘Intifada’ to evade surveillance.
The ABVP underscored India’s diplomatic relations with both Palestine and Israel, emphasizing the strategic partnership with the latter. They argued that endorsing a term linked to one side of an internal conflict could potentially jeopardize India’s strategic interests.
The controversy deepened as the RSS-affiliated student wing accused the Students Federation of India (SFI), the controlling body of the university’s students union, of attempting to legitimize extremist ideologies through the festival’s name.
In response, the students union defended their decision, asserting that the festival’s name was chosen in response to the dire situation in Gaza resulting from Israeli military actions. Despite backing from the Department of Students Services’ director, the Vice Chancellor rejected their explanation, emphasizing the potential negative impact of the chosen name on students and the public.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the festival’s purpose as a cultural event, denouncing any attempts to politicize or protest within its domain. He urged the students’ union to adhere to the directive, warning of serious consequences for non-compliance.
Sources By Agencies
