On November 7, 2025, a video of students from Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School singing the RSS anthem, Gana Geetham, went viral during the inauguration of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. Initially shared by Southern Railway, the video prompted a wave of criticism, claiming it aimed to impose a particular ideology on a public event. Although the video was taken down briefly, it resurfaced with an English translation of the lyrics.
The event, marked by the presence of Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Ministers, was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Modi. It ignited debates over the influence of the RSS in public affairs in Kerala, resulting in political backlash and official investigations. The school’s principal defended the students, asserting they selected the song themselves out of patriotism.
A Principal’s Defense
Dinto K P, the school principal, emphasized that the children sang the song voluntarily, not under any pressure from official sources. The school reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Railway Minister to request the video’s reinstatement, highlighting their concern over the backlash.
Political and Public Reactions
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incident, asserting it was a breach of constitutional values. He criticized the use of a government platform to promote the RSS’s ideology, calling it a dangerous move that undermines India’s secular framework. He stated, “The sharing of this video by Southern Railway shows how national institutions are being manipulated for political gain.”
Education Minister V Sivankutty initiated an inquiry, labeling the act as using children for a communal agenda, which he viewed as unacceptable. Opposition leaders echoed these sentiments, characterizing the performance as an attempt to introduce divisive politics into education.
Historical & Cultural Context
This controversy sheds light on the ongoing tensions in Kerala regarding the influence of RSS-affiliated ideologies in public spaces. Critics have long warned about the “saffronization” of education and cultural events in India. Historically, the RSS has been criticized for promoting a specific narrative that some see as undermining India’s diverse and secular character. This event highlights how cultural celebrations can unintentionally become political platforms, especially in sensitive contexts like schools.
The Bigger Picture
This situation prompts a reflection on how we navigate between expressions of patriotism and the potential politicization of cultural events involving young people. Experts in education and child psychology argue that children should be protected from political agendas, as this can disrupt their understanding of inclusivity and diversity in society. As we witness growing discussions around nationalism and identity, events like this stress the importance of keeping public gatherings neutral and nurturing a spirit of unity.
This incident serves as a reminder that while patriotism is vital, it should never come at the expense of compromising the core values of inclusivity and secularism that India stands for. Maintaining this balance is essential for fostering harmony and preventing political misuse in educational settings.
