He asked what is wrong with children learning Sanatana Dharma, Guru Puja, and Samskara (culture). Balagokulam is teaching children Samskara, he said.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday strongly defended the cultural practice of ‘guru puja’ after facing backlash for the performance at some schools in the state on Guru Purnima day.
Speaking at a function here, organized by the Balagokulam, the governor said Guru Puja is part of the culture of the country and there is nothing wrong with it. He alleged those who do not teach children about the culture and heritage of our country are opposing Guru Puja.
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He asked what is wrong with children learning Sanatana Dharma, Guru Puja, and Samskara (culture). Balagokulam is teaching children Samskara, he said.
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“What is wrong with conducting Guru Puja in schools? Isn’t it necessary to respect the Guru,” asked Governor Arlekar.
“Those who oppose Guru Puja are not teaching children culture and heritage. A high-ranking government official who came to see me at my residence this morning said ‘Pranam’ to me, will he be removed from service for saying ‘Pranam’? Bharat Mata and Guru Puja are the tradition, heritage, and culture of India,” he asserted.
A controversy arose after the guru puja rituals were conducted at two CBSE schools in the state. The program evoked criticism from the CPI-M-led Kerala government. They called these symbols of outdated feudal practices, potentially compromising the state’s secular and democratic ethos.
Saraswathi Vidyalayam in Bandadka in Kasaragod and Vidyadhiraja Vidyapeetom Central School in Mavelikkara courted controversy after ‘Guru Pada Pooja’ ritual was held in which students allegedly washed the feet of teachers with water and offered flowers at their feet as a sign of respect.
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday expressed shock over reports that students were made to wash the feet of retired teachers. He termed the act “condemnable” and “against democratic values”.
Sivankutty stated that an explanation will be sought from the schools regarding this.
The SFI, student wing of the CPI-M, criticised the activity, calling for end to such forceful uncivilised practices in RSS-controlled schools. These regressive practices pull down the state’s education system, which upholds progressive, secular and democratic values, the SFI stated.
CPI-M state secretary M V Govindan strongly criticised the ritual, calling it part of an alleged “RSS agenda to erode Kerala’s secular and democratic fabric
KSU, the student wing of the Congress, has demanded a thorough investigation into the ‘Guru Puja Incident’ taking place in some schools in the state and legal action should be taken against the culprits. KSU state president Aloysius Xavier has officially filed a complaint with the chief minister demanding legal action against the ritual.
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