Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty condemned the ceremonies, calling them undemocratic and incompatible with the principles of modern education
Published Jul 13, 2025 | 10:52 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2025 | 10:52 AM
Foot-washing ceremonies in Kerala schools spark outrage, government orders probe
Synopsis: A series of ‘Pada Pooja’ rituals in CBSE schools across Kerala’s Kasaragod and Kannur districts during Guru Purnima celebrations has sparked widespread criticism. Students were made to wash and worship teachers’ feet, including those of retired staff. The events, held on Vyasa Jayanti in Bharatiya Vidya Niketan-run schools, drew objections from political leaders, civil society, and child rights bodies
A series of ‘Pada Pooja’ (foot-worship) rituals held as part of Guru Purnima celebrations in several CBSE schools in Kerala’s Kasaragod and Kannur districts has triggered widespread criticism from political parties, civil society, and child rights bodies.
The ceremonies, organised on Vyasa Jayanti, involved students washing the feet of teachers—including retired staff—and offering flowers as a gesture of reverence.
Schools under the Bharatiya Vidya Niketan, including Kakkachal Saraswathi Vidyalayam, Thrikkarippur Chakrapani Vidya Mandiram, Cheemeni Vivekananda Vidyamandiram, and Sreekandapuram Vivekananda Vidyapeedam, were among those that conducted the rituals.
A similar event was reported from Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Mavelikara, where students performed the ritual for BJP district secretary Anoop.
Visuals of the ceremonies quickly went viral, drawing sharp condemnation from organisations such as the Student Federation of India (SFI), Balasangham, and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), who termed the practice “regressive” and “degrading”.
The groups accused the organisers of attempting to inject Sangh Parivar ideology into school environments.
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty condemned the ceremonies, calling them undemocratic and incompatible with the principles of modern education.
He has directed the Director of General Education to submit a report and warned of strict action against institutions that flout educational norms.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights also intervened, seeking detailed reports from police officers in Bekal and Badudka. Meanwhile, the DYFI has announced a state-wide protest on July 14 against such practices in educational institutions.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
