Kerala Model of Secularism under CPI(M): Ban on ‘Ganpati Homam’, approval for ‘Iftar Party’ in govt-aided school

In a shocking development, a government-run school in Kerala is facing backlash for organising an iftar party at school. The school, located in Nedumannur, Kozhikode has been called out on the internet by local Hindu activists for allowing to organise a religious activity in the school. The administration is facing a backlash by Hindu activists as the same school disrupted ‘Ganpati Homam’ following protests by the youth wing of the ruling Communist Party in February this year.

Sharing the visuals from the iftar party, a social media user wrote, “This is Naduvannur GHSS in Calicut dist, Kerala. What is happening there is Iftar! It is a govt school in the same district where Ganapati homam was interrupted & stopped by @DYFINDIA on 13 Feb this year saying Ganapati homam is communal. Bu you know, Iftar is secular in Kerala!”

Notably, a confrontation occurred on February 15 between the school administration and a sizable group of DYFI activists, the youth wing of the governing CPI(M) party in the state. The incident transpired amidst a ‘Ganapathi Homam’ ceremony, part of the school’s inaugural festivities, ultimately resulting in police intervention and the disruption of the event.

Accusations from DYFI members implicated BJP and RSS activists in orchestrating the ritual, while also alleging that the school administration, led by a particular family, was endorsing RSS principles. Tensions escalated as the ceremony’s proceedings drew attention, sparking protests from parents, CPI(M) affiliates, DYFI, and the Student Federation of India (SFI), who contended that the school ought to maintain a secular stance.

Aruna, the school manager, rebuffed these allegations, affirming that the puja was a private family affair devoid of external influence. She underscored her family’s communist background and clarified that the ritual was conducted in alignment with their personal convictions.

“The puja was conducted as per the direction of my mother since the new block was inaugurated. My father Kurumu Veettil Nanu was a well-known communist party leader. I was born into a communist family. So, the party people targeting us is extremely unfortunate. The ‘Ganapathi Homam’ was conducted as per my beliefs. It was only me and my family who were present there,”  Aruna said.

Police corroborated Aruna’s account, explaining that the puja was performed by family members who believed it would address issues with the school building. However, the ceremony was disrupted by CPI(M) and DYFI activists.

“The puja was performed by the family members to remove some problems they believed afflicted the school building,” said Vishnu, Thottilpalam Sub-Inspector.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) alleged that the school management has ties to BJP members, accusing Aruna’s son of leading the puja alongside local BJP activists. Thottilpalam, where the school is located, is known as a CPI(M) and DYFI stronghold.

After the incident, Manojkumar C, the Deputy Director of Education (DDE) in Kozhikode, forwarded the report submitted by the Kunnummal assistant educational officer (AEO) regarding the religious ritual held at the government aided school in the district to General Education Minister V Sivankutty and the department director.

The report, filed by Kunnummal AEO Abdhul Khader K on Wednesday, characterised the ‘controversial’ incident at the school in Kayakkodi panchayat as indicative of a failure on the part of its management. It also indicated that Aruna organised the event without the headmistress’s knowledge and persisted with it despite instructions to the contrary from the head teacher.

“On February 15, school manager Aruna was instructed to provide an explanation, either by appearing at the DDE office or through email, within a week. Further actions will be determined based on her statement,” Manojkumar stated.

Aruna informed the media that they conducted the ‘Ganapathy homam’ in relation to the construction of a new school building. However, CPM workers alleged that the manager’s family had connections to the BJP and that the ritual was conducted under the guidance of BJP workers. Following protest marches to the school by DYFI and SFI members on February 16, demanding action against the management, Sivankutty requested a report from the department director.

The recent controversy surrounding the government-run school in Kerala underscores a complex interplay of religious and political tensions. While the disruption of the ‘Ganapathi Homam’ ceremony earlier sparked debates over communalism and secularism, the subsequent organisation of an iftar party has only deepened the rift.