The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala, Dr VP Mahadevan Pillai has penned a reply in Malayalam to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan who criticsed his knowledge of the English language.
Here is the translation of Pillai's note: "I am vigilant enough to not err over life's spelling and grammar. I don't see the trembling of the hands when the mind falters as a shortcoming. I try to imbibe the good lessons given by teachers. No more comments."
Pillai had refrained from making a comment soon after the governor had come down heavily on his interpersonal skills. The governor had said: "I don't believe that anyone who is educated would write in this manner."
Governor Khan had claimed that the VC could neither write a few sentences in flawless English nor speak or interact properly.
The governor was reportedly miffed by the VC's reply to his proposal to confer a D.Litt on President of India, Ram Nath Kovind when he visited the state.
The VC's response sent on December 7 was in the form of a handwritten letter, which angered the governor.
The VC had written, in not so attractive handwriting, that he had discussed the matter (of D.Litt) with members of the syndicate, who turned it down.
Governor Khan had appointed Dr Pillai of the Department of Optoelectronics as the vice-chancellor of the university in October 2018.
