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Kerala's Higher Education Sees Rise of Parivar Influence, Congress Plays Passive Role

Parivar Outfits Tighten Grip on Kerala's Higher Education as Congress Plays Passive Role

In the evolving landscape of Kerala's higher education sector, a significant shift has been observed where organizations affiliated with the Sangh Parivar have increasingly asserted dominance, while the Congress party appears relegated to the role of a mere spectator. This development, highlighted in recent analyses, underscores a broader ideological battle playing out on university campuses across the state, traditionally known for its progressive and left-leaning academic environment. The rise of Parivar-linked groups, such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and other RSS-inspired outfits, has not only altered student politics but also influenced administrative decisions, curriculum discussions, and even faculty appointments. Meanwhile, the Congress-backed Kerala Students Union (KSU) seems to be struggling with internal divisions and a lack of aggressive strategy, allowing the Parivar to fill the vacuum.

Kerala's higher education system, encompassing prestigious institutions like the University of Kerala, Calicut University, Mahatma Gandhi University, and numerous colleges under them, has long been a battleground for political ideologies. Historically dominated by left-wing groups like the Students' Federation of India (SFI) affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the sector has seen a diversification of influences in recent years. The entry and consolidation of Parivar outfits can be traced back to the early 2010s, but their momentum has accelerated post-2020, coinciding with national political shifts and the BJP's growing footprint in the state. According to observers, this dominance is not merely numerical but extends to cultural and intellectual spheres, where Parivar groups organize seminars, workshops, and cultural events promoting nationalist narratives aligned with Hindutva ideology.

One of the key factors enabling this rise is the strategic mobilization by ABVP, the student wing of the RSS. In campuses across Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, ABVP has successfully recruited students by addressing local grievances such as infrastructure deficiencies, fee hikes, and employment concerns. For instance, in the University of Kerala, ABVP-led protests against alleged administrative corruption last year drew significant student support, overshadowing similar efforts by SFI and KSU. This has translated into electoral gains in student union polls, with ABVP securing key positions in several colleges that were once leftist strongholds. Experts point out that the Parivar's approach is multifaceted: it combines grassroots activism with digital campaigns, leveraging social media to propagate their views and counter what they term as "anti-national" elements in academia.

The Parivar's influence extends beyond student politics into the administrative realm. Reports indicate that several higher education bodies have seen appointments of individuals sympathetic to RSS ideologies. For example, in 2024, the Kerala State Higher Education Council included members with known affiliations to Parivar think tanks, influencing policy recommendations on curriculum reforms. These reforms often emphasize "Indian knowledge systems," incorporating elements from ancient texts and nationalist history, which critics argue dilutes the secular fabric of education. In private conversations, faculty members from institutions like Central University of Kerala have expressed concerns over subtle pressures to align syllabi with these perspectives, fearing repercussions on funding and promotions.

Contrastingly, the Congress party's response has been lackluster, earning it the label of a "spectator" in this ideological tussle. The KSU, once a formidable force in Kerala's student politics during the 1970s and 1980s, has seen its influence wane due to factionalism within the parent party. Internal rifts between leaders like K Sudhakaran and V D Satheesan have trickled down to the student wing, resulting in disorganized campaigns and poor voter outreach. In recent student elections at Calicut University, KSU failed to field candidates in several key constituencies, citing "strategic withdrawals," which many interpret as a sign of defeatism. Political analysts argue that Congress's focus on electoral politics at the state level has sidelined investment in youth wings, leaving KSU underfunded and undermotivated.

This passive stance has broader implications. Veteran political commentator N Ramachandran notes, "The Congress's reluctance to engage aggressively in campus politics is allowing the Parivar to reshape the narrative in a state where secularism and pluralism have been hallmarks of education. If this continues, we might see a generational shift where young minds are increasingly exposed to polarized ideologies without balanced counterpoints." Indeed, student surveys conducted by independent bodies reveal a growing appeal of Parivar outfits among first-generation learners from rural areas, who perceive them as champions of meritocracy over reservation politics dominated by left groups.

Specific incidents underscore this dominance. In July 2024, a controversy erupted at Mahatma Gandhi University when ABVP organized a seminar on "Cultural Nationalism in Modern India," featuring speakers from RSS-affiliated organizations. The event drew protests from SFI activists, leading to clashes that required police intervention. While SFI accused the university administration of bias, ABVP claimed it was exercising free speech rights. Congress leaders, including KSU state president Aloysius Xavier, issued statements condemning the violence but stopped short of mobilizing counter-events or legal challenges. This pattern of reaction rather than proaction has been criticized by party insiders. A former KSU leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, lamented, "We're watching our space erode. The leadership is more concerned with alliances for the next assembly polls than building a robust student cadre."

The Parivar's strategy also involves alliances with non-political entities. In several engineering and management colleges, outfits like the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) have partnered with alumni networks to offer career guidance programs infused with motivational talks on national service. This soft power approach has helped them penetrate apolitical student groups, gradually shifting campus discourse. In contrast, Congress's efforts, such as sporadic leadership camps by KSU, have failed to match this scale, often hampered by logistical issues and low attendance.

Looking at the national context, this trend in Kerala mirrors developments in other states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where Parivar groups have long dominated higher education. However, Kerala's unique socio-political fabric—high literacy rates, a strong communist legacy, and a diverse religious composition—makes this shift particularly noteworthy. Sociologists argue that economic factors, including youth unemployment and migration, are fueling disillusionment with traditional left politics, creating fertile ground for alternative ideologies.

The implications for Kerala's future are profound. If Parivar outfits continue to dominate, it could lead to a homogenization of thought in academia, potentially stifling critical thinking and diversity. For Congress, reclaiming space would require a revitalized strategy: investing in digital outreach, addressing student-specific issues like mental health and skill development, and fostering unity within ranks. As one academic put it, "Education is the cradle of democracy. Allowing one ideology to monopolize it risks undermining the pluralistic ethos Kerala prides itself on."

In conclusion, the dominance of Parivar outfits in Kerala's higher education sector represents a tectonic shift, with Congress's spectator role exacerbating the imbalance. As the state heads into another academic year, the onus is on all stakeholders to ensure that campuses remain arenas for open debate rather than ideological battlegrounds. Whether Congress awakens from its slumber or continues to watch from the sidelines will determine the trajectory of this crucial sector. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Jul/08/parivar-outfits-dominate-higher-education-sector-as-congress-becomes-spectator ]