Latest news with #Gurupuja
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Raj Bhavan, Kerala government set for another face-off over foot worship at schools
The Raj Bhavan and the Kerala government appeared to be set for yet another face-off over the 'foot worship' ceremony that was held in some schools in the State as part of Guru Purnima on Thursday. While Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar strongly defended the practice as part of Indian culture, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who directed the Director of Public Instruction (DPI) to seek explanations from the schools, said that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is piggybacking on the Governor to push its regressive practices meant to promote a slave mentality among students. Visuals of the ceremony, held in schools managed by the Bharatiya Vidya Niketan in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Alappuzha, showed students kneeling and washing the feet of teachers and offering flowers in a symbolic ritual of reverence. In a foot-washing ceremony held at Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Mavelikara, the students were made to wash the feet of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader too. The visuals had drawn widespread condemnation in socio-political circles. Speaking at a programme organised by Balagokulam, an RSS-affiliated organisation, in the capital on Sunday, the Governor criticised those who were against 'Gurupuja'. 'Gurupuja is an integral part of Indian culture. Some people object to it. I don't understand which culture these people are coming from. If we cast aside these practices, it will seriously affect the very existence of society,' said Mr. Arlekar. DPI's report Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr. Sivankutty said that such practices being pushed by the RSS are alien to Kerala's culture. 'It is unfortunate that someone holding the position of Governor would make such statements. I would like to know which particular text related to Indian culture celebrates the practice of students washing the feet of their teachers. We are issuing directions to all the school authorities that no student studying in any school in Kerala should be made to wash the feet of teachers or anyone else,' he said. Mr. Sivankutty said that though the government had limitations in taking action against unaided school managements, they still require an NOC from the government to function. The government will decide on the action to be taken based on the Directorate of Public Instruction's (DPI) report, which is expected in a week. 'Feudal culture' Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary M.V. Govindan said that the RSS is attempting to revive a ritual rooted in the feudal culture to push its agenda of implementing Chaturvarnya (case system). 'We are not against respecting teachers, but that should not be an excuse to revive such feudalistic practices. Students were even made to wash the feet of RSS leaders. It is part of an RSS agenda to erode Kerala's secular and democratic fabric. The secular society of Kerala has to unitedly oppose this,' he said. All India Congress Committee (Organisation) general secretary K.C. Venugopal said that the Governor is attempting to haul Kerala society back to the dark ages by defending such practices. 'Such a Governor is a shame for progressive Kerala,' he said.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Dharmapuram Aadheenam's procession taken out, VCK and Dravidian outfits protest in Mayiladuthurai
Members of various political parties and social organisations staged a protest in Mayiladuthurai on Monday, urging authorities to ban the annual 'Pattina Pravesam' (town entry procession) of the Dharmapuram Aadheenam, a Shaivite monastery with a 600-year history. The procession is traditionally held during the Gurupuja of the Aadheenam's founder, Sri Guru Gnanasambandar, when the Aadheenakarthar (head of the mutt) is carried in a silver palanquin through the four streets surrounding the mutt premises by devotees. This year, Sri Masilamani Desiga Gnanasambanda Paramacharya Swamigal, 27th acharya of the Aadheenam, was carried in a palanquin around the streets of the Aadheenam on Monday night as part of the festivities. Earlier in the day, members of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK), and other organisations staged a demonstration at Kittappa Angadi in Mayiladuthurai. Speakers at the protest, including T. Jayaraman of Tamil Mann Thannurimai Iyakkam, urged the authorities to immediately put an end to the 'regressive' practice.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Sri Datta's performance captivates audience
Vijayawada: The Ranga Pravesam of Vallabhajyosthula Gowtham Sri Datta was held at Sri Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College auditorium here on Sunday. Born in 2011 to Vallabhajyosthula Pavan Kumar Sarma and Sri Valli, Sri Datta began his initial dance training under Yellajyosthula Anuradha and is currently receiving advanced training from renowned Kuchipudi exponent Dr Chinta Ravi Balakrishna. Under the guidance of Dr Chinta Ravi Balakrishna, Sri Datta blossomed into a confident performer, impressing the august gathering with his poise and expressive dance. He captivated the audience with his performance of classical Kuchipudi items such as Gam Ganapathi, Tuluva Rajendra Sabdam, Krishnam Kalaya Sakhi, and Tillana. On this occasion, veteran singer Kumara Suryanarayana and distinguished dance gurus Dr Pasumarthy Srinivasa Sarma, Dr Ch Ajay Kumar, Dr Usha Madhavi, Padma Shri Hemanth, and Yellajyothula Anuradha were felicitated by Sri Datta's parents, Vallabhajyothula Pavan Kumar Sarma and Sri Valli. As a mark of respect and gratitude, Sri Datta also performed Gurupuja to his guru, Dr Chinta Ravi Balakrishna.
