At a recent gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala Vidyabhyasa Samithi district convention issued a powerful statement, affirming its unwavering commitment to preventing any attempts at ‘saffronisation’ within the state’s vital education sector. This declaration underscores a growing concern among various stakeholders.
During the inaugural address, V. Joy, district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], delivered a stern warning. He highlighted what he described as the Sangh Parivar’s deliberate agenda, aiming to undermine the significant academic progress Kerala has achieved over the years. Joy stressed the critical importance of a collaborative effort, urging academics, educators, students, and various activists to unite and actively oppose these perceived threats.
The convention also featured insightful contributions from several prominent figures. Among the speakers were S. Nazeeb, General Secretary of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA); A. Nishanth, State President of the All Kerala Private College Teachers Association; T.K.A. Shafi, State President of the Federation of State Employees and Teachers Organisations (FSETO); and M. Shajahan, State President of the Kerala Gazetted Officers Association (KGOA). Their collective voices reinforced the widespread concern and resolve within the educational community.
Towards the conclusion of the convention, new district office-bearers for the organization were elected. P.P. Ajayakumar, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Kerala University, was chosen as the chairperson, with A.R. Rajan appointed as convener and A.G. Oleena also taking on an important role within the leadership.