Students washing teachers' feet: Kerala education minister condemns act
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T'puram: General education minister V Sivankutty on Saturday condemned the act by certain schools run by Bharatheeya Vidya Nikethan where students were allegedly made to wash the feet of teachers to mark Guru Purnima on Thursday.
Even as Sivankutty said an explanation would be sought from the school management, reports of similar incidents emerged from other parts of the state. Ruling CPM's student outfit SFI, meanwhile, said the 'condemnable' ritual was held in RSS-controlled schools.
"The govt views with great seriousness the news that students were made to wash teachers' feet in some schools run by Bharatiya Vidya Niketan. This act is contrary to democratic values and is worthy of protest.
Education is meant to foster scientific awareness and progressive thinking in children. Such actions undermine the fundamental goals of our educational system," Sivankutty said.
Reports said similar rituals were performed at Saraswati Vidyalaya in Kasaragod's Bhandadka, Vidyadhiraja Vidyapeetom Sainik School in Mavelikkara and Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Attuva near Nooranad, both in Alappuzha. Describing the act as "extremely shocking", the minister said the public education director was instructed to promptly seek explanations from these schools, which follow CBSE syllabus.
"Practices that instil a servile mindset in students cannot be accepted under any circumstances. Education should impart knowledge and self-awareness. Education is a right that was fought for and won from a time when it was denied based on caste. This right should not be surrendered to anyone. Strict measures will be taken to prevent such activities from being repeated in educational institutions," Sivankutty said.
He added the govt had the authority to take action against any schools, regardless of syllabus, that do not comply with the Right to Education Act and regulations.
Milk and rosewater used
At Vidyadhiraja Vidyapeetom Sainik School in Mavelikkara, students honoured 101 teachers by washing their feet with milk, rosewater and water. They later applied vermilion and sandalwood and offered flowers. The children chanted Guru mantras, bowed down and offered prayers.
They also honoured them with Ponnada and Bhagavad Gita and received their blessings.
At Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Attuva near Nooranad, a local BJP leader also allegedly took part in 'pada pooja' along with the teachers. Teachers and former teachers were honoured by students during the ceremony.
In a statement, SFI state president M Shivaprasad urged authorities concerned to investigate the matter and take stringent action.
It was part of an agenda to impose "chaturvarnya" (ancient caste system) in the society and the "uncivilised" act could not be accepted at any cost, he said. MSID:: 122404378 413 |
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