KOZHIKODE: Referring to the recurring incidents of attacks against girls in state, governor Arif Mohammed Khan said that such cruel behaviour defeats the very concept of gender justice. Delivering the convocation address at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) at Pookode in Wayanad on Thursday, Khan called for a healthier, interpersonal relations on campuses.
"I say this in the context of unfortunate attacks on girls due to lack of gender sensitivity. Such cruel behaviour defeats the very concept of gender justice and reminds us of mental slums about which president S Radhakrishnan had warned us long ago," he said, adding that Radhakrishnan had said that it is through educational institutions that the spirit of democracy, compassion and empathy must be developed.
Khan said that time has come for men to change their attitude and realize that it is in their own interest and that of the society at large to accept women as their equal. "It is when we ensure the best practices in gender justice that the spirit of democracy and compassion blossoms in our campuses," he added.
A 22-year-old student was murdered by her boyfriend at St Thomas College in Pala last Friday allegedly following a strained relationship. Also, in another incident a 24-year-old BDS student was shot dead by her former lover at Kothamangalam in July.
Khan reminded that like many civilizations, India had also started with the worship of women and pointed out that in classic prayers like Gita Govinda composed by Jayadeva, one can read verses which idolized women. "We idolize women but we stop there. The trouble is we do not follow it. As in so many other instances, we pass resolutions and we stop there. I should say in fairness to our governments, both central and state, and our private philanthropic and religious institutions that they have brought about a renaissance in women’s education," he said.
The governor said that it was heartening to see the impressive women (65%) representation at KVASU. Khan said that KVASU, being the only university located in Wayanad (the only aspirational district identified in Kerala for focused development), the varsity has the additional responsibility of empowering vulnerable sections including tribesmen.
Animal husbandry department minister J Chinchurani was the chief guest.VC MR Saseendranath, MLA T Siddique, Vazhur Soman, registrar P Sudheer Babu among others attended the event.
