Are You Lions or Cockroaches? Kerala VC Asks Students
Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal has attracted attention after asking students a surprising question during an event at Vijayatharakam.
While speaking to the students, the Vice-Chancellor asked, “Are you lions or cockroaches?” The unusual question left many students silent. Only one student reportedly responded to him.
The interaction was recorded on video, and the clip later became popular online. It led to a discussion about the Vice-Chancellor’s choice of words and whether such a question was suitable for a university event.
Students Remain Silent
According to reports, the students did not immediately respond after hearing the question. The silence continued until one student answered.
The question appeared to be designed to make students think about their confidence, courage and attitude towards life. However, the unusual comparison also surprised many people who watched the video.
Debate Over the Remark
The video has led to different opinions on social media. Some people criticised the Vice-Chancellor, saying that comparing students to “lions” and “cockroaches” could sound insulting or intimidating.
They argued that university officials should use encouraging language when speaking to students, especially during public events.
Others viewed the question differently. They said the Vice-Chancellor may have been trying to encourage students to be brave, confident and responsible rather than simply following others.
From this point of view, the question could be understood as a motivational message asking students to think about how they respond to challenges.
Importance of the Context
The debate has also focused on the context in which the question was asked. A short video clip may not show the entire conversation or the Vice-Chancellor’s explanation of what he meant.
The exact intention behind the remark is therefore an important part of understanding the incident.
Viral Video Draws Attention
The video’s popularity has brought wider attention to the interaction. It has also started a broader discussion about how teachers and university officials should communicate with students.
While some believe strong questions can encourage young people to think differently, others feel that motivational messages should be delivered without language that could make students uncomfortable.
The incident continues to generate discussion online, with people offering different interpretations of the Vice-Chancellor’s unusual question.
Ultimately, the episode highlights the importance of communication in educational institutions and the different ways students and the public can interpret comments made by senior officials.