Kerala Government Faces Backlash Over Savarkar Quiz Controversy
Indiadailyupdate.com – The Congress-led administration in Kerala is confronting intense scrutiny from the CPI(M) and Left student and youth organizations regarding a school quiz question that characterized Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar as the freedom fighter who endured the “most severe punishment from the British.” This incident has sparked a broader debate about whether the state is allowing the Sangh Parivar’s ideological framework to permeate educational institutions. The controversy has prompted General Education Minister N. Samsudheen to order a comprehensive inquiry into who prepared and conducted the quiz, with instructions to take strict action against those responsible.
The ‘Freedom Quiz’ was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students at schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts. The question that ignited the controversy was: “Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?” The answer provided was Savarkar. According to reports, teachers associated with the Social Science Club had prepared the questions. However, the minister’s office clarified that the quiz was not part of the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department. “The person who included the historically incorrect question holds a prejudiced view,” the minister’s office stated.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Samsudheen has directed the Director of General Education to investigate who was behind the preparation and conduct of the quiz and take strict action against those found responsible. The issue became highly political when CPI(M) and Left organisations accused the UDF government of allowing the “Sangh Parivar agenda” to make its way into Kerala’s education sector. Former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of “colluding” with the RSS and alleged that attempts were being made to conceal Savarkar’s “real history” and glorify him.
Speaking at a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan alleged that the Centre and the RSS were “attempting to rewrite history”. He said the controversy should also be seen in the context of efforts to implement the Centre’s new education policy in Kerala. Former general education minister V Sivankutty also alleged that the question was part of an attempt to “saffronise” Kerala’s general education sector and distort the history of the freedom struggle.
“The question amounted to propagating false history. We demand a comprehensive inquiry and strict action against those responsible, besides the immediate withdrawal of the disputed question and answer.” — V Sivankutty, Former General Education Minister
Sivankutty objected to describing Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the most severe punishment from the British, alleging that the question amounted to propagating “false history”. He demanded a comprehensive inquiry and strict action against those responsible, besides the immediate withdrawal of the disputed question and answer. SFI state secretary P.S. Sanjeev alleged that the quiz attempted to portray Savarkar, whom he described as one of the accused in the conspiracy surrounding Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, as a freedom fighter.
“Under the UDF government in Kerala, with the IUML handling the general education portfolio, an attempt is being made to create a role for the Sangh Parivar, which betrayed the freedom struggle,” Sanjeev said in a social media post. DYFI state secretary K Sanoj also criticised the government, saying there was no justification for including a question in a school quiz that allegedly glorified Savarkar. Critics argue this represents a significant shift in Kerala’s educational narrative, where the state has traditionally maintained a secular and progressive approach to history education.
What This Means for Kerala’s Education Policy
The controversy has reignited discussions about the direction of Kerala’s education system and whether it is becoming more aligned with nationalistic narratives promoted by the Sangh Parivar. With the Congress government now facing pressure from both its allies and opposition, the outcome of the inquiry could have significant implications for how history is taught in Kerala’s schools. The government’s response to this incident will be closely watched by political observers and education experts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly was the controversial quiz question? A: The question asked students to identify the freedom fighter who received the most severe punishment from the British, with the answer being V.D. Savarkar.
Q: Who conducted the quiz and when? A: The quiz was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students at schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts by teachers associated with the Social Science Club.
Q: What action has the government taken? A: General Education Minister N. Samsudheen has ordered an inquiry into who prepared and conducted the quiz, with instructions to take strict action against those responsible.
Q: Why is this considered part of the Sangh Parivar agenda? A: Critics argue that glorifying Savarkar, who was accused in Gandhi’s assassination conspiracy, represents an attempt to rewrite history and promote Hindutva ideology in Kerala’s education system.
Q: How does this relate to the Centre’s education policy? A: Former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan suggested the controversy should be viewed in the context of efforts to implement the Centre’s new education policy in Kerala.
