Row over Islamic outfit's event; CUSAT denies link, to move legally

Kochi: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has denied any connection to 'ProfCon' event held by the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, after a video went viral on social media showing gender-biased seating arrangements. According to CUSAT PRO, Vandana Mohandas, the University will approach the court against the use of its name for the event. 

The BJP's student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), however, alleged that the programme was conducted at CUSAT under the Islamic organisation's banner, which it described as linked to religious fundamentalist groups. ABVP State Joint Secretary R Aswathy said separating women and men during the event amounted to gender discrimination and called it condemnable, especially in a state that claims 100 per cent literacy and a progressive social outlook.

CUSAT said the claims were “false and baseless" and clarified that no event called ProfCon had been organised either inside or outside its campus, nor by any external organisation or individual with its approval.

According to the student outfit, such programmes “inject communal poison” among students and are “dangerous” if allowed on campuses. The organisation has filed a complaint with the Vice Chancellor, demanding an investigation and strict action against the organisers and students who participated. ABVP also stated that it would continue to oppose what it described as “Taliban-model programs” that promote religious hatred, extremism, and gender discrimination, while welcoming any steps taken by the university on its complaint.