New Delhi: Education Minister V. Sivankutty has strongly criticised a school over the controversy surrounding students being made to sing Gana Geetham on the Vande Bharat train. The minister emphasised that no school will be permitted to conduct activities that undermine secularism.

Speaking in Delhi, Sivankutty questioned how the principal could claim that Gana Geetham is a patriotic song. He reiterated that, irrespective of the school’s management, it is the state government that grants the No Objection Certificate (NOC).

“Indian railway authorities and those controlling them have challenged the Constitution and democratic values, showing a lack of basic courtesy. This reflects an attitude of ‘we can do anything.’ No matter which management runs the school, activities that contravene secularism or democratic principles will not be tolerated. The NOC is issued based on specific guidelines, and under the Kerala National Education Act, there is authority to revoke it if these guidelines are violated. I do not understand how the principal concluded that Gana Geetham is a patriotic song. The Director of Education has been tasked with investigating this matter, among others. Does a song automatically become patriotic just because someone says so? What authority does the principal have to make such a judgment?” Sivankutty asked.

Further action will be taken based on the investigation report submitted by the Director of Education. The Education Minister clarified that the principal’s remarks would also be investigated. Sivankutty is scheduled to meet the Union Education Minister on Monday, where he will submit a memorandum highlighting the issue and requesting a formal inquiry.

Elamakkara Saraswati Vidyaniketan Principal Dinto K.P. had responded to the controversy surrounding students singing Gana Geetham at the inauguration of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. The principal described the Education Minister’s announcement of an inquiry as “deplorable” and stated that the school would not be intimidated by threats of action. He further added that any legal issues faced by the students would be addressed appropriately.