Sanskrit University's Dummy Book Scandal Exposed by Vice-Chancellor
In a shocking incident at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), an attempt to release dummy books as the biographical work on Chattambi Swamikal was thwarted by the vice-chancellor (in-charge) Ciza Thomas. The scandal unfolded just before Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar was scheduled to release the 11-volume series in Sanskrit at Panmana Ashramam in Kollam.
Fraudulent Attempt to Dupe Governor and Audience
The university authorities prepared a set of books for the high-profile event, but when Thomas examined the delivery, she discovered only four volumes were properly printed. The remaining seven volumes had authentic-looking covers but contained nothing but blank pages inside. This blatant attempt to deceive the governor and the assembled audience was immediately halted by the vigilant vice-chancellor.
Upon discovering the fraud, Thomas insisted the university cancel the book release ceremony, which was planned as part of the Chattambi Swami samadhi event at the ashram. The invitation had prominently featured the book release as a key program item that Governor Arlekar was supposed to inaugurate.
Decades-Long Project with Special Government Funding
The biography titled 'Theerthapadapuranam' represents a monumental scholarly effort. Professor AV Sankaran began writing this comprehensive biography of Chattambi Swamikal in Sanskrit back in 1980 and submitted the complete manuscript to the university in 1998.
After years of delay, the author's family brought the unpublished work to the university's attention, prompting officials to assign publication responsibility to their own publishing department. During the tenure of the Oommen Chandy government, a special grant of Rs 30 lakh was specifically allocated to fund the publication of this significant work.
The university had fixed the price of the complete 11-volume set at Rs 6,600 and prepared the books for release. All volumes were delivered together in a single carton to the vice-chancellor's office ahead of the scheduled ceremony.
Public Embarrassment and Immediate Fallout
In the presence of Governor Arlekar, Vice-Chancellor Thomas publicly expressed regret over the university's failure to properly publish the biography. She assured attendees that corrective steps would be taken to ensure the legitimate release of the work by August.
The event attracted many people eager to purchase copies, including members of Professor Sankaran's family who had traveled to Panmana Ashram specifically for this purpose. Their disappointment mirrored the broader embarrassment caused by the university's administrative failure.
Growing Criticism and Demands for Accountability
The Save University Campaign Committee has strongly condemned the incident, criticizing Sanskrit University officials for their gross negligence. The committee has urged Governor Arlekar to take exemplary action against those responsible for what they characterize as institutional fraud.
This scandal raises serious questions about academic integrity, administrative oversight, and the proper use of public funds allocated for scholarly publications. The incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of Kerala's spiritual heritage and scholarly achievement.
