Kerala University VC Withholds Youth Festival Certificates for Third Year; 900 Students Affected

Thiruvananthapuram: Nearly 900 students of Kerala University are yet to receive their certificates from the Youth Festival held in March 2024 as acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohan Kunnummal has repeatedly refused to resolve the matter despite multiple representations from the SFI-led student union.

The festival was cut short following controversies over adjudication in certain events, and results for group events were withheld. A special committee subsequently decided to award marks for events whose results had already been declared, but the VC froze further proceedings. Students approached the High Court, which ruled that the final decision rested with the university. The Syndicate then resolved to issue certificates — but the VC bypassed the Syndicate and forwarded the file to the then-Chancellor Arif Mohammad Khan. Even after Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar took over as Governor, no decision has been taken on the 2024 Youth Festival matter.

Only 13 students have received certificates so far, pursuant to individual court orders — and even these carry a note that grace marks will be determined based on the final verdict.

The situation has now become critical: students who were in their first year when the festival was held are completing their degrees this academic year without ever having received their participation certificates or grace marks. After two years, grace marks can no longer be added to certificates, making urgent action essential. SFI and the affected students have decided to approach the university once more with a fresh representation demanding immediate resolution.