Kerala University VC Asks Students If They Are 'Lions or Cockroaches' at Event
Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal addressed students at the 'Vijayatharakam' event in Thiruvananthapuram, asking whether they identified as 'lions' or 'cockroaches.' Despite his repeated prompts, most students remained silent, with only a few responding. Kunnummal encouraged them to aspire to be 'lions' and embodiments of Goddess Durga. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, present at the event, commented on the unclear context of the 'cockroach' reference. Kunnummal has previously sparked controversy over remarks on 'Vande Mataram.'
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 100%, Right 0%). Overall sentiment is neutral (41/100). Lens Score 43/100.
Outlets measured: indiatoday, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
All 1 outlets scored close to centre on political lean. The real divergence here is in emphasis, not lean — compare the headlines below to see how each outlet chose to frame the same facts.
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (32–50/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 19 Aug, 11:24 am. Other outlets followed.