A fresh controversy has erupted over the post of Chancellor at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed-to-be University, with a memorandum demanding the removal of noted dancer Mallika Sarabhai as Chancellor citing financial strain, even as the institution highlights a sharp rise in self-generated revenue.
The memorandum, submitted by the ‘Save University Campaign Committee’, alleges that appointing Dr. Sarabhai as Chancellor in December, 2022, replacing the then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan—due to clash between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and the Governor—has imposed an additional annual burden of around ₹50 lakh on the university. “At a time when the institution struggles to even pay staff salaries on time, this extra expense has worsened the crisis,” it states.
It further claims that expenses related to the Chancellor’s travel from Maharashtra, accommodation, and remuneration, have added to the financial strain. The committee has demanded her immediate removal and called for the Chief Minister to be appointed as Chancellor, with the Cultural Affairs Minister as Pro-Chancellor.
Responding to the criticism, Kalamandalam Vice-Chancellor B. Ananthakrishnan said the appointment of the Chancellor was a government decision made in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms for deemed-to-be universities. Acknowledging the financial crunch, he noted that the institution requires over ₹12 crore annually for staff salaries, with two months’ pay currently pending.
Added revenue
However, the V-C emphasised that Kalamandalam has made significant strides in strengthening its institutional framework and revenue streams. “There has been a 200% increase in income through cultural tourism initiatives. Last year, receipts touched ₹4 crore, compared to about ₹75 lakh earlier,” he said.
He highlighted several reforms, including the establishment of an academic council, finance committee, boards of studies, and student grievance mechanisms. “Earlier, even basic infrastructure was lacking. Today, we have structured departments, research and development facilities, and welfare systems in place,” he added.
Elaborating on revenue generation, Prof. Ananthakrishnan said the university has leveraged its cultural capital through innovative tourism models. “Our ‘Day with Masters’ programme allows visitors to experience live demonstrations of traditional arts. It has been successfully packaged as a cultural tourism product. We have also developed a visitors’ lounge and preview theatre,” he said.
The university has also launched tailor-made programmes, set up a performance and outreach centre in Kochi, and initiated productions involving faculty and students. Notably, its Kathakali adaptation of The Old Man and the Sea won the Mahindra Theatre Excellence Award.
Dr. Sarabhai, reacting to the memorandum, said the decision rests with the government. “There is indeed a financial crisis—not just in Kalamandalam, but across Kerala,” she said, adding that one of her priorities has been to mobilise non-governmental funding.
“We have been exploring multiple avenues to generate income, and these initiatives are yielding results,” she noted.
Published – May 29, 2026 06:52 pm IST
