Controversy Erupts Over Foot Worship Rituals in Kasaragod, Kannur Schools

Quick Summary

• Several CBSE schools in kasaragod and Kannur districts of Kerala organized ‘Pada Puja’ (foot-washing ceremony) on Vyasa Jayanti,as part of guru Purnima celebrations.
• The ritual involved students washing teachers’ feet, including retired teachers, and offering flowers as a gesture of reverence.
• The ceremonies were conducted under the bharatiya Vidya Niketan umbrella at multiple schools: Kakkachal Saraswathi vidyalayam, Thrikkarippur Chakrapani Vidya Mandiram English medium School, Cheemeni vivekananda Vidyamandiram in Kasaragod and Sreekandapuram Vivekananda Vidyapeedam in Kannur. similar events occured at Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Mavelikara.
• Widespread criticism emerged from political parties (such as DYFI and SFI),child rights bodies,civil society groups,and Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who termed the practice undemocratic and degrading to modern education principles.
• Student organizations staged protests decrying the ritual as regressive; they accused institutions of promoting Sangh Parivar ideology through such practices.
• Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights sought reports from local police for accountability measures concerning these incidents.
• Education Minister Mr. Sivankutty stressed the importance of fostering critical thinking over conformity in educational settings; he hinted that strict action could be taken under Right to Education regulations against non-compliance.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The widespread condemnation surrounding ‘Pada Puja’ ceremonies reflects ongoing debates about the intersection between tradition and education’s role in shaping societal values within India’s pluralistic democracy. While celebrating teachers is culturally sanctified within Indian heritage, critics highlight concerns regarding enforceable student participation which could contravene constitutional ideals fostering freedom to think critically & modern aspirations-oriented outlook projection stacking aides juniors accountable-safeguards accountability checks