Cochin Carnival: BJP alleges face of 'Papanji' resembled that of Modi; to get a new shape
Kochi, Dec 29: Organisers of the popular Cochin Carnival, a highly spirited annual gala fete being organised in this port city on the occasion of every new year, on Wednesday agreed to recreate the face of 'Papanji', a giant effigy of an old man, after the BJP alleged that it has resemblance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face.
The BJP workers of Fort Kochi staged a protest at a ground where 'Papanji' structure was being built after the photo of 'Papanji' was shared on social media platforms saying it resembled that of Modi's face.
Burning of 'Papanji' at the famous Fort Kochi beach is a major event at midnight of December 31 to welcome the New Year, symbolically ending the burdens of the passing year and marking the beginning of the New Year on a fresh note.
An office-bearer of the Cochin Carnival Committee said, "All issues have been sorted out." Noting that the Cochin Carnival Committee comprises people belonging to all parties and religions, he said, "We took down the image on the face of effigy after the BJP workers raised the voice of protest. Now, we all are working unitedly to celebrate the Carnival".
A BJP worker said the Carnival Committee apologised to the party workers for hurting their sentiments.
BJP Ernakulam district president Adv K S Shaiju alleged that it was the "handiwork of some vested interests" in the Carnival Committee who wanted to create trouble in the Cochin Carnival, a popular cultural festival. He urged the Carnival Committee to oust such vested interests from the popular forum.
According to Kerala Tourism, the Cochin Carnival festivities spread over a week combine Christmas and New Year celebrations that are witnessed by thousands of people who gather at the Fort Kochi Beach.
Built on the centuries-old cultural tradition, the Cochin Carnival acquired a distinct identity during the UN International year of Youth-38 years ago as a participative, secular festival.
The Carnival Committee said it has become a platform for all sections of people of this multi-ethnic town to come together annually in the commonly shared celebration of welcoming the New year.
Over 90 clubs come together annually under the Chairmanship of the Sub-Collector (RDO), Fort Cochin to form the CARNIVAL COMMITTEE and shape the year's festival, it said.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
