Latest news with #BhoomiNjanVaazhunnaidam
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kerala's Governor opposes inclusion of Vedan song in Calicut University syllabus
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has sought an explanation from Calicut University for its inclusion of rapper Vedan's song Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna idam. The university recently made it a part of its undergraduate course in Malayalam Language and Literature. However, the Governor has opposed the move and asked for the university's explanation for it, based on a complaint by a BJP supporter named AK Anuraj. The Governor is also a Calicut University Chancellor, and he has sought the explanation from its Vice Chancellor. The Governor's contention stems from the fact that Vedan has been under fire following his arrest for consumption of drugs and possession of a tiger's tooth. The Governor argued that including his song in the syllabus would make him a bad idol among students, prompting them to follow in his footsteps. It is worth noting that, in 2021, a group of women also accused the rapper of sexual misconduct, a claim to which he agreed and an act for which he apologised. Vedan has been in the news following the LDF-led Kerala Government's invitation to him to take part in a recent event marking its 10th anniversary in power. Subsequently, filmmaker Pa Ranjith supported the embattled rapper as he shared an image carrying a piece of text that read, "We Stand With Vedan".
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Vedan's song included in Calicut University syllabus
The University of Calicut has included Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna idam, a Malayalam rap song by rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, aka Vedan, in the syllabus of the fourth-semester undergraduate Malayalam Language and Literature course. A powerful commentary on global issues, the song has been included in Introduction to Comparative Literature, under the module Puthu Pravanathakal (new trends). Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna Idam is a rap song that reflects on global crises, from the Syrian war and Palestinian genocide to the death of Aylan Kurdi and the brutal murder of Asifa in Kashmir. The lyrics goes like Bhoomi njaan vaazhunnidam anudinam narakamaayi maarunnidam... (Earth is where I bide, which is closer to hell with each passing day...), highlighting the collective suffering of the people of the world. It will be taught alongside Michael Jackson's They Don't Care about Us, which tackles racial injustice, as part of a comparative study of Malayalam and American rap cultures. Vedan who came to the limelight with his debut music video Voice of the Voiceless in 2020, is widely known for his politically charged lyrics, often rooted in his identity as a Dalit man and reflecting the struggles of the marginalised. 'Today's culture is predominantly shaped by digital media, and it is important to incorporate these changes into the curriculum,' said M.B. Manoj, head of Malayalam and Kerala Studies department, University of Calicut. Inclusion of songs 'Many tend to oppose the inclusion of songs in the Malayalam literature syllabus, but to ignore them is to resist cultural shifts. By including these works, we encourage students to critically engage with them rather than remain passive viewers,' he said, stressing the importance of adapting to the changing times. The module also includes comparative study of Kathakali Padam (Kathakali song) Ajita Hare... Madhava by Muringur Shankaran Potti and its modern rendition Ajita Hare by Gouri Lakshmi, analysing how classical art forms have evolved in the current era. Dr. Manoj said that the department had also included Malayalam film songs in its multidisciplinary course (MDC) Cinemayum Sahithyavum (Cinema and Literature), featuring tracks ranging from the classic Pennale Pennale... from Chemmeen to Nadin Nanmakane Ponmakane Muthayavane... from the 2024 film Aavesham.
