‘Jantar Mantar protest not a hopeful picture’: Governor Arlekar criticises student protest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has criticised the student protest at Jantar Mantar, saying the scenes witnessed there were not a hopeful picture. He was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Mar Baselios College.

“What we saw at Jantar Mantar was not a hopeful picture. Is there any need to take to the streets and use abusive language against the leaders of the country?” Arlekar asked.

He said there was nothing wrong with protesting or raising questions. However, he criticised the use of insulting posters against political leaders, saying it reflected a lack of character. He also questioned what kind of character and personality the next generation of students would develop.

Arlekar said the responsibility of educational institutions was not limited to providing students with a syllabus and curriculum. He stressed that institutions should also help students develop culture, values and character.

The event was presided over by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, manager of the college and Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Minister K. Muraleedharan delivered the keynote address. Higher Education Council Vice-Chairperson Dr Achuthsankar S. Nair, college director Fr John Varghese, principal Dr S. Viswanatha Rao and Dr Koshy Issac Punnamoottil also spoke at the event.