The Kerala government has initiated a formal investigation into a controversial incident where school children performed a song associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a journey on the Vande Bharat Express. The event has sparked significant political debate and raised questions about cultural influences in educational settings.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The controversy unfolded on January 29, 2024, when a group of school children from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pangode, were traveling on the Vande Bharat Express from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. During their journey, the children performed a cultural program that included a song titled "Man Se Hai Vande", which has strong associations with the RSS organization.
According to eyewitness accounts and video evidence that subsequently went viral on social media, the performance was organized as part of the "Pariksha Pe Charcha" program initiative. The children, who were reportedly traveling to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interactive session with students, sang the controversial song while other passengers watched and recorded the performance.
Government Response and Investigation Order
Kerala's Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, took swift action by ordering a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation aims to determine how the RSS-affiliated song became part of the children's repertoire and whether there was any inappropriate influence or pressure on the students.
The probe will specifically examine:
- The selection process for the songs performed during the journey
- Whether school authorities or teachers were involved in the song selection
- The context and circumstances that led to the performance of the politically charged song
- Any potential violation of educational guidelines regarding political neutrality in school activities
Minister Sivankutty emphasized that educational institutions must maintain political neutrality and should not promote any particular political ideology through student activities. The government has made it clear that using school children for political propaganda is unacceptable and violates established educational norms.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The incident has triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum in Kerala. Opposition parties and cultural organizations have accused the RSS of attempting to influence young minds through cultural programs. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the performance, arguing that the song represents cultural nationalism rather than political propaganda.
This controversy comes at a time when cultural and political influences in education have become a sensitive topic in Kerala. The state has previously witnessed debates about syllabus content, textbook revisions, and the inclusion of certain cultural elements in school activities.
The investigation's findings are expected to have significant implications for how educational institutions handle cultural programs and maintain political neutrality. The Kerala government has assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the probe results to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation progresses, educational authorities have been directed to review guidelines for student activities during school trips and ensure that cultural programs remain free from political influences. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultural expression and political neutrality in educational settings.
