Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University Vice Chancellor (VC) intervened in the issue of SFI giving the name of Jihad of Palestinian Islamic Terrorists to the Kerala University Kalotsavam (Art Festival). VC Mohanan Kunummal informed that he would seek an explanation from the University Registrar. The action follows a report by Janam TV.
Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunummal told Janam TV that he had not been informed anything about the Art Festival and that the decision was taken by the university union. Stating that the Art Festival is a platform for artistic expression and not a forum for war or riot, he emphasized the need for names reflecting Kerala’s artistic heritage.VC said that he does not know how the Arabic name came about. He informed that further steps will be taken if necessary, after the explanation.
The controversy stems from the use of the term “Intifada,” commonly associated with armed uprisings and terrorist attacks by Palestinian militants against Israel. The Student Federation of India (SFI) Union chose to name the University Arts Festival as “Intifada.”
In the interpretation of radical Islamists, “Intifada” symbolizes efforts to resist perceived oppression by Israelis. The First Intifada, spanning from 1987 to 1990, witnessed widespread Palestinian protests and acts of violence against Israelis. The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, occurred from 2000 to 2005, marked by intense conflict and uprisings against Israeli rule.
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