Are you lions or cockroaches? Kerala VC's question to students, only one responds

Kunnummal made the remarks while addressing students at ‘Vijayatharakam’, an event organised in Thiruvananthapuram to honour students who excelled in competitive examinations. During his speech, Kunnummal told the students that some people call people like them “cockroaches” but said they were not cockroaches.

He described them as “lions” who are a strength to the nation. He then asked all those who were not cockroaches to say it loudly.

What Happened

However, the students continued to remain silent despite his repeated requests. Kunnummal then asked whether they were confused and pointed out that only one person had responded.

• Recently, Kunnummal triggered a fresh row after saying that people who oppose saying “Vande Mataram” “do not know who their mother is”.

• VC Mohanan Kunnummal's name has been in controversy in the past.

• Governor Rajendra Arlekar and BJP MLA V Muraleedharan were also present on the stage during the event.

Key Details

He also described them as “lions” and “Durga Devis”.

• Kunnummal continued to encourage the students, telling them that they were the strength of the nation.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge