Latest news with #PuthuPravanathakal
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Sivankutty condemns recommendation to exclude rapper Vedan and Gowry Lekshmi's songs from University syllabus
Condemning an expert committee's recommendation to remove the songs by rapper Hirandas Murali (Vedan) and independent musician Gowry Lekshmy from the undergraduate curriculum of Calicut University, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that the move is part of the Sangh Parivar's agenda to saffronise the higher education sector. The decision to remove the songs was reportedly made following a complaint filed by members of the university's governing body appointed by the Chancellor. Appointing another illegal committee to solicit opinions on a syllabus already prepared by academic committees will not be beneficial to academic interests. Those who are opposing the inclusion of the songs are unaware of the global significance of rap music, said Mr. Sivankutty. Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna Idam, a Malayalam rap song by rapper Vedan, was included in the syllabus of the fourth-semester undergraduate Malayalam Language and Literature course under the module Puthu Pravanathakal (new trends). The song touches upon ongoing global crises including the Palestinian 'genocide' and the war in Syria as well as the rape and murder of 8-year Asifa at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. The module also includes comparative study of Kathakali Padam (Kathakali song) Ajita Hare... Madhava by Muringur Shankaran Potti and its modern rendition Ajita Hare by Gowry Lekshmi, analysing how classical art forms have evolved in the current era. A.K. Anuraj, a Syndicate member aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the University Syndicate, had sought the removal of Vedan's song, arguing that the language he used in his songs and public speeches was often unparliamentary and of poor quality. The Board of Studies (BoS) for undergraduate courses and the academic council of the University are expected to take a final call on the proposed exclusion of the songs.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BoS chairman opposes removal of Vedan's song
Kozhikode: It seems Calicut University is heading for a disagreement over the recommendation to remove rapper Vedan's (Hirandas Murali) song 'Bhumi Njan Vazhunnidam' from the third semester BA Malayalam syllabus. The expert committee, appointed by CU vice-chancellor P Raveendran, had suggested removing the song. However, Malayalam UG Board of Studies (BoS) chairman MS Ajith opposed the move, saying it violated academic rules. CU authorities had said they would send the expert panel recommendation to BoS, which has the authority to change the syllabus. But Ajith said it was wrong to rely on an outside expert's opinion on syllabus matters. "BoS had approved the syllabus after detailed discussions. We did not plan to remove the song," he added. Ajith said that if the syllabus must be changed, then it has to be decided by the board or higher academic bodies like the academic council. MM Basheer had submitted a report to Raveendran saying that comparing the musical aspects of Vedan's song with Michael Jackson's 'They Don't Care About Us' would be too demanding for students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The VC had asked the panel to examine the inclusion of the song in the syllabus. The report submitted by former head of Malayalam department MM Basheer to Raveendran said the comparative study of the musical features of Vedan's and Jackson's songs should be removed and replaced with a more suitable topic. The song was part of the Introduction to Comparative Literature course, under the module Puthu Pravanathakal (new trends). BJP-affiliated member AK Anuraj had objected to including Vedan's song in the syllabus and filed a complaint with governor Rajendra Arlekar. The governor sought a report from the VC, who then instructed Basheer to examine the issue.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Vedan's song included in Calicut University syllabus
The University of Calicut has included Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna idam, a Malayalam rap song by rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, aka Vedan, in the syllabus of the fourth-semester undergraduate Malayalam Language and Literature course. A powerful commentary on global issues, the song has been included in Introduction to Comparative Literature, under the module Puthu Pravanathakal (new trends). Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna Idam is a rap song that reflects on global crises, from the Syrian war and Palestinian genocide to the death of Aylan Kurdi and the brutal murder of Asifa in Kashmir. The lyrics goes like Bhoomi njaan vaazhunnidam anudinam narakamaayi maarunnidam... (Earth is where I bide, which is closer to hell with each passing day...), highlighting the collective suffering of the people of the world. It will be taught alongside Michael Jackson's They Don't Care about Us, which tackles racial injustice, as part of a comparative study of Malayalam and American rap cultures. Vedan who came to the limelight with his debut music video Voice of the Voiceless in 2020, is widely known for his politically charged lyrics, often rooted in his identity as a Dalit man and reflecting the struggles of the marginalised. 'Today's culture is predominantly shaped by digital media, and it is important to incorporate these changes into the curriculum,' said M.B. Manoj, head of Malayalam and Kerala Studies department, University of Calicut. Inclusion of songs 'Many tend to oppose the inclusion of songs in the Malayalam literature syllabus, but to ignore them is to resist cultural shifts. By including these works, we encourage students to critically engage with them rather than remain passive viewers,' he said, stressing the importance of adapting to the changing times. The module also includes comparative study of Kathakali Padam (Kathakali song) Ajita Hare... Madhava by Muringur Shankaran Potti and its modern rendition Ajita Hare by Gouri Lakshmi, analysing how classical art forms have evolved in the current era. Dr. Manoj said that the department had also included Malayalam film songs in its multidisciplinary course (MDC) Cinemayum Sahithyavum (Cinema and Literature), featuring tracks ranging from the classic Pennale Pennale... from Chemmeen to Nadin Nanmakane Ponmakane Muthayavane... from the 2024 film Aavesham.
