KOCHI: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) found itself at the centre of controversy after a Muslim organisation used its name in a poster made to advertise its conference that is to be held in Mangaluru. The issue snowballed, forcing the university to come out strongly against the organisation.
The matter turned serious after photographs from a session held to promote the conference showcased female students separated from their male counterparts using a cloth screen.
The university’s name, in addition to the pictures showing segregation, triggered serious discussion on social media. Voicing his concern, Shone George, BJP state vice-president, posted on X hashtag #APAKADAMPolitics, “The Taliban have arrived here.
The left and the right are also being brought in. Does the minister of higher education, who talks about renaissance and women’s freedom forty times an hour, not know anything about these things that are happening under her own nose? In Kerala, a renaissance wall was built to protest against the violation of Sabarimala rituals.
Pinarayi and Satheesan will be on their knees to respond to this wall…”It was widely speculated that the event happened at Cusat. However, the university denied it.
“The building where the event was held is located outside the campus. The university has no connection with the organisation and condemns the use of its name in the poster,” said Arun A U, registrar.