Outrage over foot worship at schools in Kasaragod, Kannur

A series of ‘Pada Puja,’ foot-washing ceremony, held in multiple CBSE schools in Kasaragod district has sparked widespread condemnation from political parties, child rights bodies, and civil society.

The ceremony, part of Guru Purnima celebration on Vyasa Jayanti, saw students kneeling and washing the feet of teachers, including retired teachers, and offering flowers in a symbolic ritual of reverence on Thursday.

General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Saturday demanded a report from the Director of General Education and condemned the practice as “undemocratic and against the spirit of modern education.”

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights sought reports from the Bekal Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Badudka police on the incident.

The rituals were reportedly held at Kakkachal Saraswathi Vidyalayam at Bandadka, Thrikkarippur Chakrapani Vidya Mandiram English Medium School, and Cheemeni Vivekananda Vidyamandiram — all under the Bharatiya Vidya Niketan umbrella. A similar ceremony was also held at Sreekandapuram Vivekananda Vidyapeedam in Kannur. The events were led by the Vidayala Samiti in celebration of Vyasa Jayanti.

Visuals of the event has been widely circulated on social media, drawing criticism.

Terming the event as primitive and degrading, the Student Federation of India, Balasangham, and Democratic Youth Federation of India staged protests and lodged complaints. The SFI approached the child rights commission, demanding accountability.

SFI Kasaragod district secretary K, Pranav said the ceremony was regressive and contrary to Kerala’s progressive educational values.

The DYFI said the ritual was an attempt to introduce Sangh Parivar ideology in educational institutions and undermine scientific temper and secular values of the public education system.

The DYFI announced a State-wide campaign ‘Human vigilance against Sangh Parivar’s move to return to primitive times’ on July 14 in front of private schools.

Earlier, Mr. Sivankutty, speaking to mediapersons, reiterated that such practices eroded the purpose of education, to foster critical thinking and self-awareness. “Instilling a slave mentality in students has no place in democratic society,” he said.

The Minister said the Department of General Education had the authority to take action against schools in any syllabus that did not comply with the Right to Education Act and regulations.

The Welfare Party of India also condemned the act, calling it an insult to humanity. In a statement, the Kasaragod district unit accused the Bharatiya Vidya Niketan of attempting to usher in a Hindutva-oriented social order through education institutions. The demanded an investigation and strict action against those responsible.