Outrage over foot worship at schools in Kasaragod, Kannur

A series of ‘Pada Puja’ foot washing ceremony held in multiple CBSE schools in Kasaragod region led to a widespread condemnation from political parties, children’s rights organs and civil society.

The ceremony, which is a part of the Guru Purnima celebration in Vyasa Jayanti, saw that students kneel and wash their feet, including retired teachers, and offer flowers in a symbolic respect ritual on Thursday.

On Saturday, the Minister of General Education V. Sivankutty asked a report from the General Education Director and condemned the practice against the non -democratic and modern spirit of education ”.

Kerala State Children’s Rights Protection Commission, Singal Police Director and Badudka Police sought reports about the incident.

The rituals were reported in Kakkachal Saraswathi Vidalayam in Bandadka, Thrikkarippur Chakrapani Vidya Mandiram British Medium School and Cheemeni ViveKanandırama Vidyamandiram. A similar ceremony was held in Sreekandapuram Vivekananda Vidyapeedam in Kannur. The events were ruled by Vidayala Samiti during the celebration of Vyasa Jayanti.

The visuals of the event were widely distributed on social media by criticizing.

India, which describes the event as primitive and humiliating, organized protests and complained of protests. SFI approached the Children’s Rights Commission and demanded accountability.

SFI Kasaragod Regional Secretary K, Pranav, said the ceremony was regressive and that Kerala is contrary to the progressive education values.

The DYF said that Ritual is an attempt to promote the Sangh Parivar ideology in educational institutions and to weaken the scientific anger and secular values of the Public Education System.

On July 14, the DYFI announced a state -wide campaign in front of private schools against the ‘Sangh Parivar’s return to the primitive time’.

Previously, Mr. Sivankutty, who spoke with Mediapersons, reiterated that such practices have eroded the purpose of education, encouraging critical thinking and self -awareness. “To instill slave mentality to students has no place in democratic society,” he said.

The Minister said that the Ministry of General Education has the authority to take action against schools in any curriculum that does not comply with the law of education and regulations.

The Indian Welfare Party condemned the action and called it insulting humanity. In a statement, Kasaragod Regional Unit accused Bharatiya Vidya Niketan of trying to enter a social order with Hindutva through educational institutions. He demanded an investigation and strict action against those responsible.