Kerala’s Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, has called for an investigation after school students sang an RSS song during the launch of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. This event occurred on Saturday and was nearly flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The incident involved twenty students and two teachers from the Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School in Kochi. The choice of the song sparked controversy, with both the ruling CPI(M) and the Opposition Congress criticizing it. They accused the BJP of using the railways to push divisive politics.
Sivankutty expressed concerns on social media, stating that involving students in singing the RSS song is unacceptable. He emphasized that education should remain secular, and a comprehensive report was requested from the Director of General Education. He added that if any school violates rules tied to their no-objection certificate, the government could revoke it.
The school in question is affiliated with Bharatheeya Vidyanikethan, which is linked to the RSS. The principal claimed the Railways had no role in the students’ performance, although the event was shared on their social media platforms.
The CPI(M) condemned the incident, asserting that the song, framed as patriotic, actually promotes division and hatred. They warned that the railway’s involvement risks undermining Kerala’s strong secular identity.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions over education and politics in India. Schools ought to be places of learning and unity, not venues for political agendas. As debates on secularism and nationalism continue, it’s crucial for educational institutions to remain neutral and focus on fostering inclusive environments for all students.
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