Kozhikode: Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, commended 'Mathrubhumi Weekly' for its year-long discussion series, "Nirakshararude Navakeralam" (New Kerala of the Illiterates). The series, which spanned 51 issues, addressed critical aspects of the education sector, sparked by a controversy over the Director of Public Education's remarks about illiterates receiving top grades.

In his written response to the debates, the minister highlighted the value of the discussions in supporting the government's efforts to provide quality education for all children. While expressing disagreement with some arguments presented in the series, he emphasized the need to promote the importance of the mother tongue in education.

Sivankutty lauded the debate as a constructive contribution to the discourse on education and assured that the government would approach the issues raised with sympathy and consideration.