Which freedom fighter got severest punishment: Savarkar quiz in Kerala sparks row
A question paper used for an Independence Day quiz organised by the Social Science Club Association has sparked controversy in Kerala after a question featuring
A question paper used for an Independence Day quiz organised by the Social Science Club Association has sparked controversy in Kerala after a question featuring VD Savarkar was included. The quiz was conducted on Thursday for students in schools under the Manjeshwaram and Kumbla sub-districts of Kasargod. The controversy centres on the fifth tie-breaker question, which asked, “Who was the freedom fighter who received the most severe punishment from the British?” VD Savarkar was given as the answer.
Read Full Story Critics have alleged that the quiz formed part of a planned attempt to teach young children about the history of the freedom struggle while glorifying Sangh Parivar leaders who, according to them, did not play a significant role in the freedom movement. The quiz was conducted for lower-primary (LP) students as part of Independence Day celebrations. Although it does not have official government recognition, the question papers are distributed to schools through the offices of the Assistant Educational Officers (AEOs).
General Education Minister N Shamsudeen has sought a report from the Director of General Education following the controversy surrounding the quiz. The issue has also triggered protests. The DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M), held a protest march against the inclusion of the question. SFI state secretary Sanjeev also criticised the government over
the issue. In a statement, he said, “In Kerala, where the UDF is in power and the Indian Union Muslim League is handling the General Education portfolio, this government is now creating a role in the freedom struggle for the Sangh Parivar, which had no such role and had betrayed the freedom movement.” Ends
The BriefWire