Kerala University Sanskrit scholar alleges caste bias after HoD objects to PhD award, probe ordered

Thiruvananthapuram: A research scholar from the University of Kerala’s Department of Sanskrit has accused the head of the department (HoD) of caste-based discrimination after she objected to awarding the PhD to him.
The controversy arose after Dr C N Vijayakumari, Head of the Department and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, reportedly wrote to the university stating that a student who “does not know Sanskrit” should not be awarded a PhD in the subject.

In a Facebook post, the scholar, Vipin Vijayan, responded to the allegation, saying, “The label of ‘one who doesn’t know Sanskrit’ has been branded on me like a permanent scar. This false campaign has left deep wounds in my life. Now I can hear the cries of my brother Rohit Vemula — echoes of caste discrimination.”

Dean flags irregularities in PhD defence
Speaking to Onmanorama, Vijayakumari dismissed Vipin’s claims, saying the research scholar’s open defence of his PhD did not meet academic standards. She also alleged that Vipin failed to answer questions in Sanskrit, English or Malayalam during the defence.

In her letter to the Vice-Chancellor, she has stated that Vipin’s thesis, “Sadgurusarvaswam – A Study,” lacked proper research methodology, logical analysis, and scholarly rigour. Vijayakumari further claimed that the open defence session was disrupted by individuals accompanying the scholar. She accused them of shouting at the Dean and aggressively approaching the dais, violating decorum. She also said the open defence was marred by procedural violations, such as removing online participants who asked questions and misusing the online system to mute critics.

In her letter, she described the session as “chaotic” and recommended that the scholar’s thesis be revised and resubmitted before the PhD can be awarded.

Inquiry ordered
Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohanan Kunnummal has ordered an inquiry into the allegations. “The PhD can be awarded only with the approval of the guide. I have entrusted the Registrar and Director of Research with the inquiry. I am yet to receive the report,” he told Onmanorama. The inquiry team has been directed to gather statements from all involved parties, including Vijayakumari, and submit their findings.

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing inquiry, the university appointed Vipin as a Sanskrit teacher at its BEd Teacher Education Centre in Kumarapuram, Thiruvananthapuram. This appointment, made while his PhD eligibility is under scrutiny, has sparked accusations of political influence. Vipin, initially enrolled as a full-time research scholar, is said to have completed and submitted his PhD thesis on a part-time basis after securing the teaching post.

Scholar alleges caste bias
In his social media post, Vipin questioned the fairness of the allegations against him, stating that he had previously completed his MPhil in Sanskrit under Vijayakumari’s supervision. “If I did not know Sanskrit, how did I complete my MPhil under the same guide who now says I’m unfit for a PhD? Was the university misled then, or did I forget Sanskrit after receiving my MPhil?” he wrote.

He added that he holds BA and MA degrees in Sanskrit from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit and BEd and MEd degrees from Kerala University. Vipin alleged that caste bias, rather than academic merit, was behind attempts to discredit his qualifications.

Vipin alleged that Vijayakumari harbours ideological bias against left-leaning students and faculty, claiming she is affiliated with the RSS-BJP camp, while he was previously associated with the SFI. He also denied reports that he held any position in the research scholars’ union.

Vipin’s PhD dissertation was written in English, in line with university regulations. He said his thesis was evaluated by external experts chosen by the Vice-Chancellor, including professors from Allahabad University and Sri Venkateswara University, who recommended awarding him the PhD.

Accusing Vijayakumari of misusing her powers, Vipin demanded her removal as Dean. Vipin also alleged that during his open defence, Vijayakumari brought in outsiders online to attack him and questioned his right to study Sanskrit based on his caste.

“She said people like me defile the department and that Sanskrit will never yield to those of our kind. I endured all this only because I wanted my PhD. Now, my dreams and life have been shattered. My degrees seem meaningless now. If truth holds no value, then there is no place for me either.”