Vedan, Gowry Lekshmi’s music to remain in Calicut University BA syllabus

Malappuram: Rapper Vedan’s song and singer Gowry Lekshmi’s Kathakali music will remain in the Calicut University BA third-semester syllabus. Dr MS Ajith, Chairman of the UG Malayalam Board of Studies, confirmed this to Mathrubhumi.

Dr MM Basheer, former Head of the Malayalam Department, who was appointed by the Vice-Chancellor to review the matter, had recommended the removal of Vedan’s Bhoomi Njan Vazhunnida and Gowry Lekshmi’s Kathakali music from the syllabus. However, the Board of Studies rejected this recommendation and decided to retain the works.

The university had received five complaints requesting the removal of Vedan’s and Gowry’s works from the textbook. In response, the Vice-Chancellor appointed an expert committee to examine the issue. The final decision rests with the Malayalam UG Board of Studies.

Dr Ajith clarified that the texts will remain in the syllabus for the time being and stated that Dr Basheer’s report holds no legal validity. Minister V Sivankutty, the SFI, and several left-leaning organisations have opposed any changes to the syllabus.