Brennen's magazine sparks controversy

Kannur: The magazine published by the student union at Government Brennen College in Thalassery has sparked a controversy over an illustration that allegedly defames national flag and national anthem.

Pellet, the SFI-led union’s magazine has a drawing on page 13 that of a couple having sex in a cinema behind the seats. While the national flag appears fluttering on the screen above. The text reads “The patriotism that rises from the chair in cinema theatres. The patriotism which is reading Manusmriti in the streets”. The apparent reference is to last year's Supreme Court order to play the national anthem before every show.  As it courted controversy, Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) filed a complaint with the DGP. The college council also decided to withdraw the controversial pages, after partial circulation. “There is nothing wrong in the magazine. It is unfortunate that rather than weighing the whole content, a context has been deliberately selected and discussing,” said staff editor K.V. Sudhakaran.

Principal K. Muralidas also said that a section of students’ different reading might have triggered the misunderstanding.

The union was of the opinion that the illustration reflects current happenings going around.  KSU state president K.M. Abhijith told DC that besides humiliating national flag and national anthem, it intends negative publicity. The college is celebrating its 125th anniversary.