“Kerala: Petition filed against naming of Kerala University youth festival as ‘Intifada’”, Organiser, March 3, 2024:

“The Kerala High Court has taken cognizance of a petition filed against the naming of the Kerala University Youth Festival as ‘Intifada,’ a term meaning ‘shake off’ or ‘civil uprising’ in Arabic. The petition, was brought forth by Ashish. A.S., a student of NSS College, Nilamel, Kollam district, raised concerns about the implications of associating the festival with a term often linked with conflict and violence.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that ‘Intifada’ is a slogan commonly used by religious fundamentalists in the context of the Israel-Hamas confrontations and wars. They contended that such a name could potentially fuel religious discrimination and communalism among students. Justice K.P. Kunjikrishnan heard the petition and directed notices to be issued to the Government of Kerala and Kerala University.

The controversy surrounding the naming of the festival stems from its association with the Palestinian Hamas movement and its historical connotations of violence and unrest. Critics argue that ‘Intifada’ contradicts the spirit of peace and harmony that youth festivals like these are intended to promote…..”

Read the full article at Organiser.org