CANCELLED! No Christmas celebrations in Kerala schools, strict warning issued by…

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty flagged reacted on reports of some private schools are cancelling Christmas celebrations on campus. He issued a stringent warning that the state government will not tolerate "divisive models based on religion and belief, as seen in north India".

Christmas Celebrations Cancelled In Kerala: Amid the reports that some private schools in Kerala have restricted Christmas celebrations, the state government came forward and condemned the circulating rumours and has ordered an urgent enquiry into the situation. This has come after some private schools decided not to hold Christmas programmes. Reacting to the issue, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday issued a stringent warning that the state government, run by the LDF, will not tolerate such “divisive models based on religion and belief, as seen in north India”.

Secularism In Kerala Schools

Minister Sivankutty said his government will not allow schools in the state to become “communal laboratories.”

“No one will be permitted to introduce the North Indian models that divide people on the basis of religion or belief in Kerala’s educational institutions,” he said.

It is to be noted that the schools in the state have a tradition of celebrating major festivals like Onam, Christmas and Eid together. These celebrations help students to learn mutual respect and coexistence.

However, the cancellation of Christmas festival after collecting funds from students for the celebrations and returning the money is seen as a “cruel practice” and is expected to harm the sentiments of children.

Non-Discrimination In Education

Minister Sivankutty said that any attempt to insert divisive ideas among students is unacceptable.

Officials have been instructed that any discrimination in celebrating any festival will not be tolerated. “Imposing restrictions selectively on the celebrations of any one community amounts to discrimination and will not be tolerated,” the minister said.

The state government has instructed both aided and unaided schools of their duty to follow constitutional principles.

Stringent action will be taken education institutions that attempt to serve political or communal interests.

Special Classes

Apart from festival-related issues, the Kerala government has received complaints that some schools are conducting mandatory special classes during the upcoming Christmas holiday. The minister instructed that such classes should not be held during the holiday time.