Malappuram: Kerala Minister for General Education, V Sivankutty, has criticised the recommendation by an expert committee to remove rap songs by Vedan and Gowry Lakshmi from the undergraduate Malayalam curriculum at Calicut University. He called the move objectionable and alleged that it aligns with the Sangh Parivar’s agenda to saffronise higher education. 

According to reports, the songs were removed based on a complaint filed by members of the university's governing body appointed by the Chancellor. Sivankutty questioned the legitimacy of appointing another committee to review an already approved academic syllabus, stating that it undermines academic autonomy and cultural diversity.

"Those behind this do not recognise the global relevance and artistic value of rap music," the minister said, urging the Vice Chancellor to uphold Kerala's cultural consciousness and inclusive ethos.

The university had earlier included two socially relevant rap songs in the curriculum: 'Bhoomi Njan Vazhunnidam' by Vedan, placed for comparative analysis alongside Michael Jackson's 'They Don’t Care About Us', and 'Ajitha Hare' by Gowry Lakshmi, which was also meant for comparative study.

Following public complaints, Vice Chancellor Dr P Raveendran ordered a probe into the matter, reportedly at the behest of the Chancellor. Former Malayalam department head Dr M M Basheer, who conducted the inquiry, later recommended the removal of the songs.