'I don't care even if I lose my head'; Principal of Koyilandy Gurudeva College responds

KOZHIKODE: Colleges and schools in Kerala have witnessed several student conflicts. However, this is the first time that a principal was slapped by student leaders. Dr Sunil Bhaskaran, the principal of Gurudeva College in Koyilandy, Kozhikode was the victim of the brutal attack. However, SFI workers are alleging that it was the principal who attacked them. According to the complaint lodged by the SFI, the ear drum of SFI Area President BR Abhinav was damaged in the incident. College Principal Dr. Sunil Bhaskaran spoke to Kerala Kaumudi.

Q. When will the college reopen?
There is police protection as per court order. The college was closed for two days in the wake of the clash. It was decided to open yesterday. However, we were not able to resume classes yesterday due to the state-wide strike of SFI. The classes will resume today.

Q. What was the instruction given by the court?
The court directed the police to make necessary arrangements to conduct the class peacefully. The police were also directed to provide protection to the principal, teachers and students. Justice Devan Ramachandran passed the interim order saying that a peaceful study environment should not be disturbed. Based on this order, I reached the college with my head held high.

Q. An SFI leader had threatened that you won't be able to walk on two legs?
I have already reached the college. Now, I don't care even if I lose my head. I am sure I made the right decision. I am a soldier. I was a professor at the Indian Military Academy for 20 years. I had survived even bullets. However, the pain I suffered when a boy, claiming to be a student leader, slapped me in the face was even more painful than a bullet wound. In fact, it was a slap in the face of the teaching community of the state.

Q. Is there any ban on the freedom of association in the college?
All the organizations are functioning in the college. Union elections are also conducted. If SFI attempts to show hooliganism, I won't allow it. The right to freedom of association does not mean slapping the principal.

Q. How did the problems begin?
When I reached the college in the morning, I saw some children seated at a desk on the veranda. When I inquired, they said it was the help desk for new students. I said that it could not be allowed as they had not taken permission. All those children were students of the college. They requested ten minutes. I went to the room silently. After ten minutes, SFI activists came from outside and started attacking.

Q. Why were the students on campus expelled?
The attack was carried out by those who came from outside. They were called in by some students of the college. What should we do with those who called in outsiders to attack the principal?

Q. What is the response of the management?
The incidents of violence took place during the online Praveshanolsavam attended by the Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister. Why did they choose SNDP College for this? Why did they ruin the Praveshanolsavam ceremony attended by the Minister and Chief Minister? I have the full support of the College management, teachers, non-teachers, SN Trust Chairman and College Manager Vellappally Natesan. I had met Vellapally in person the other day. He advised me to go to college with courage and told me that studies of children must not be interrupted. Vellappally was the one who arranged a lawyer for me.