Actor Prakash Raj Backs Suspended SFI Students at Sanskrit University

Actor and activist Prakash Raj visited the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady on Saturday, November 7, 2026, to support suspended student activists.

The Protest

十六 students belonging to the Students Federation of India were suspended after protests on August 13, 2026, during a Syndicate meeting. The university offered to lift the suspensions if the students submitted an apology and promised not to break rules again. Prakash Raj stated that the youth of the country are not like Savarkars to write sorry petitions for asking questions and fighting for their rights. He added that the protesting students are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar rather than Nathuram Godse.

Criticism of Authorities

He criticized the university authorities and Higher Education Minister Roji M. John for showing a dictatorial attitude. He questioned if performing a play is a crime, explaining that the students only raised issues about basic campus needs and staged a play because they belong to the Department of Theatre. He also challenged authorities to show evidence for allegations that students physically assaulted Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas during the August protest. Warning the administration, the actor said he will join the students in their indefinite relay fast if they are barred from taking their exams.

Context

Student protests at universities often center around basic campus facilities, freedom of expression, and disciplinary actions by administrative bodies. University syndicates hold the power to impose and revoke student suspensions based on campus conduct rules.