Kerala University faces scrutiny for including portion on Vedan in curriculum of four-year undergraduate programme

The University of Kerala has introduced a lesson on rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, in its newly introduced four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP). The lesson forms part of a multidisciplinary elective ‘Kerala Studies-Arts and Culture,’ offered in the third semester of the UG English course.

The syllabus includes an excerpt from the article ‘Decoding the Rise of Malayalam Rap: A Deep Dive,’ which features a section titled ‘Key Artists in Malayalam Rap.’ The portion highlights Vedan’s contribution to the genre.

The article describes Vedan’s music as a powerful commentary on social justice and the rights of the marginalised communities, portraying him as a “symbol of resistance and empowerment in the Malayalam rap scene.”

His lyrics are also said to be deeply rooted in the struggles of the oppressed, and his songs serve as a voice for those who are often unheard.

Hip-hop group

Vedan is discussed alongside other performers, including alternative hip-hop group Street Academics and rapper Vishnu M.S. aka ThirumaLi.

The inclusion comes at a time when Vedan remains embroiled in various controversies, including allegations of sexual assault. Notably, Vedan, who has been booked by the Kochi City police in connection with a rape case filed by a female doctor, is said to be absconding.

The inclusion of Vedan’s work also sparked debate when one of his rap songs was added to the BA Malayalam course at Calicut University recently.

University officials justified the inclusion by asserting that it was part of a broader lesson on the evolving Malayalam rap culture. However, Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal has demanded an urgent explanation from the Board of Studies regarding the issue.

Pablo Neruda poem

In another development, the Board of Studies in English has come under fire for including a poem, erroneously attributed to Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, in the first semester of the same course. It was later discovered that the poem in question was allegedly AI-generated.

The Vice-Chancellor has called for a detailed explanation as to how this unverified work was introduced into the curriculum without thorough verification.