Kasaragod: The Education Department has come under criticism for allegedly glorifying Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar through a question included in a Freedom Quiz for lower primary school students in Kasaragod district.
The controversial question was included in a questionnaire distributed to schools in the Manjeshwar, Kumbla and Kasaragod sub-districts. It asks, “Who among the freedom fighters received the most severe punishment from the British?” and gives V.D. Savarkar as the answer.
The question was part of the Freedom Quiz organised for lower primary students. Teachers in charge of the Social Science Club Association in the three sub-districts jointly prepared the questionnaire. The question was included as a tie-breaker.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M.K. Muneer demanded an inquiry into the question praising Savarkar. He said portraying Savarkar as a patriot was part of the RSS-BJP agenda and called for an investigation to identify those responsible.
Muneer alleged that Savarkar had attempted to undermine India and said the inclusion of the question should be viewed seriously.
Manjeshwar MLA A.K.M. Ashraf also criticised the questionnaire, saying the Sangh Parivar's attempts to saffronise history would not be allowed in Manjeshwar.
“We strongly protest attempts to implement a communal agenda in the public education system and distort historical facts,” Ashraf said.
He said it was an insult to the history of India's freedom struggle and to the great leaders who sacrificed their lives for the country to present V.D. Savarkar as the answer to a question asking who received the most severe punishment from the British.
Ashraf alleged that attempts were being made to portray Savarkar to young children as a revolutionary who received the harshest punishment, despite his alleged pleas for mercy to the British and subsequent release from prison after receiving a pension.
He described the move as part of a clear RSS agenda and said there was no place in Manjeshwar for attempts to saffronise the education of even lower primary school children.
Ashraf also expressed suspicion that the controversial questionnaire may have been deliberately prepared to discredit the Public Education Department and the state government.
He urged the government to launch an immediate investigation against those who prepared the questionnaire and the officials who approved it. He also called for explanations from those allegedly responsible for spreading false historical narratives and demanded strict disciplinary action.
Ashraf said he would continue to take a strong stand to protect the secular character of the public education system and historical facts.