Kerala’s General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, has sharply criticised an educational event organised by the RSS-affiliated Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas in Kochi. The event, titled ‘Gyan Sabha’, is scheduled to be formally inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The minister expressed grave concern over what he views as efforts to saffronise the education sector under the guise of the National Education Policy (NEP).
In an official statement, Sivankutty said that such initiatives attempt to steer the education system toward a specific ideological agenda, which undermines secular and democratic values. He stated that education must remain inclusive, neutral, and accessible to all, without being coloured by political or religious leanings.
He also criticised the participation of five university vice-chancellors in the event, calling their involvement deeply troubling. Sivankutty stressed that academic institutions should remain autonomous and focused on excellence in research and learning, not serve political interests.
The minister urged the public to remain vigilant and actively oppose any form of ideological interference in the academic landscape. He reiterated the Kerala government’s commitment to defending the integrity of public and higher education and aligning it with constitutional values.
As the RSS-linked conference draws closer, Sivankutty’s remarks highlight a brewing ideological conflict over the future direction of India’s education system, particularly in politically aware states like Kerala.