Kerala Guv backs 'guru puja' amid row over foot-washing ritual in schools
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 13 (PTI): Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday strongly defended the practice of 'guru puja' observed by a section of people, saying that "offering flowers at the feet of teachers is part of Indian culture".
His remarks came a day after the CPI(M)-led LDF government strongly criticised the recent performance of 'pada puja' (foot washing ritual) in two CBSE schools in the state.
Arlekar questioned the criticism directed at the ritual and asked, "I don't understand which culture these people come from".
The state government sought an explanation from the management of these schools.
State General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday expressed shock over reports that students were made to wash the feet of retired teachers.
He termed the act "condemnable" and "against democratic values".
Speaking at a programme organised by Balagokulam, a right-wing outfit, in Balaramapuram, the Governor said, "Guru puja is part of our culture, where we offer flowers at the feet of our gurus... But some people have objected to it. I don't understand which culture they belong to."
Highlighting the importance of "honouring teachers", Arlekar said gurus are "great souls" and "deserve respect".
"If we forget our culture, we forget ourselves; we'll be nowhere in this world," he claimed.
However, the Governor's remarks continued to invite sharp criticism from the ruling CPI(M) and Opposition Congress which accused him of trying to implement RSS agenda in the state and taking it back to the dark age.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday said that the Governor's decision to justify the act of making schoolchildren wash the feet of teachers is a "shame" for Kerala.
While talking to reporters in Palakkad, he alleged that the feet of a BJP district secretary was also washed by children in one such incidents.
"Arlekar is trying to take Kerala back to the dark ages. Perhaps the Governor does not know the history of this land that has witnessed a renaissance," he said.
Accusing the Governor of trying to teach Kerala the upper-caste fascist culture, Venugopal said he should understand the greatness of his position.
The Governor's action of trying to lead a progressive state backward is condemnable, he added.
State Education Minister V Sivankutty also continued to question the Governor's justification and said the act was not part of Kerala's culture.
Describing the feet-washing ritual as a despicable act, he accused Arlekar of implementing the RSS agenda in the state.
While talking to reporters here, the minister also said though the state government has limitations in intervening in the affairs of such CBSE schools, there would be action accordingly after a report is submitted by the officials concerned about the recent incidents.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan strongly criticised the ritual, calling it part of an alleged "RSS agenda to erode Kerala's secular and democratic fabric."
"No one is against respecting or honouring teachers," he said, adding, "But this ritual, which was abandoned centuries ago, is rooted in feudal culture and aims to revive chaturvarnya, the ancient caste system."
He further alleged that such practices "aim to instil a slave mentality in the younger generation, especially in RSS-controlled schools."
Media reports said 'pada puja' ceremonies were held in two CBSE schools under the Bharatheeya Vidyanikethan management in Kasaragod and Mavelikkara on Guru Purnima Day, observed last Thursday.
Minister Sivankutty said the Director of Public Instruction (DPI) had been directed to seek explanations from the schools.
"Practices that promote a slave mentality are unacceptable under any circumstances. Education must instill knowledge and self-awareness," he stated.
He added that the Department of General Education has the authority to act against schools under any syllabus that violates the Right to Education Act and related regulations.
The ruling CPI(M)'s student wing, Students' Federation of India (SFI), and the Opposition Congress's student outfit, Kerala Students' Union (KSU), also condemned the ritual and demanded action against the school managements.
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Public can obtain e-pass online to watch Independence Day celebrations in Bengaluru: BBMP
Bengaluru, Aug 13 (PTI): For the first time, the general public can obtain e-pass online to watch the 79th Independence Day celebrations, said Maheshwara Rao, Chief Commissioner, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Wednesday.
Rao, along with the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, Seemanth Kumar Singh, was briefing the media here about how Bengaluru is preparing for the state-level ceremony to be held on August 15 at Field Marshal Manik Shah Parade Ground, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru.
“Earlier invitations were distributed by government officials to special invitees and to those involved in the ceremony. Now, people can obtain an e-pass from the Seva Sindhu website (www.sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in),” added the commissioner.
He said a live telecast of the programme is also available on Doordarshan.
According to him, the viewing gallery for the public at the venue has been expanded to allow more people to watch the programme in person.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hoist the Indian flag, following which he will inspect the parade in an open jeep and receive the guard of honour.
Siddaramaiah will also deliver an Independence Day message.
On ground security checks are already underway, said the Police Commissioner.
“Police have been deployed on guard duty at the ground for the last 15 days. They are also checking all the hotels, lodges and rest houses for any suspicious activities,” said Singh.
CCTV cameras and baggage scanners, Door Frame Metal Detector and Hand-Held Metal Detector have been installed around the ground to closely monitor all the events, he added.
He also appealed to those with green passes (e-passes) to arrive at Gate no. 05 from the Manipal Centre side via Cubbon Road.
He urged people not to carry any unnecessary luggage or items with them. Even essential items like mobile phones, water bottles, helmets, cameras, radios and umbrellas are best left behind to facilitate quick entry into the venue, he added.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Traffic Police has appealed to the public to use public transport and metro service as much as possible, due to the lack of space for parking vehicles at Manik Shah Parade Ground and nearby areas.
Parking will not be allowed at Central Street (from Anil Kumble Circle to Shivajinagar Bus Stand), Cubbon Road (from CTO Circle to K R Road and Cubbon Road Junction) and MG Road, from Anil Kumble Circle to Trinity Circle), added a Traffic Police advisory issued on Wednesday.
