Central University of Kerala sees protests over RSS-linked speaker

Protests erupted at the Central University of Kerala in Kasaragod on October 6, 2026, during a national seminar commemorating the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. The unrest was triggered by the participation of J Nandakumar, national convener of the RSS-linked organization Prajna Pravah, as a keynote speaker.

Various student unions, including the Students Federation of India (SFI), National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Muslim Students Federation (MSF), and All India Students' Federation (AISF), organized demonstrations against the event. Protesters accused the university administration of attempting to ‘saffronize’ the campus and impose specific ideological interpretations without student consultation.

Clashes occurred between protesters and police as students attempted to enter the seminar venue. The situation led to a heavy police deployment on campus, including the use of water cannons and strike forces to manage the crowds.