Expert Calls for Vedan Song’s Removal from Calicut University Syllabus

Quick Summary

• M.M. Basheer, former head of the Department of Malayalam at the University of calicut, evaluated complaints regarding curriculum changes in the BA (Malayalam) course.
• At the request of Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran, Basheer reviewed concerns about including rapper Hirandas Murali’s (Vedan) song in the syllabus.
• A.K. Anuraj, a BJP-affiliated Syndicate member, raised objections to including Vedan’s song Bhumi Njan Vazhunna Idam and its comparison with Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Care About Us.
• In his report, Basheer recommended removing both Vedan’s song from the syllabus and topics requiring comparative analysis between Kathakali music and Carnatic music due to their complexity for students without relevant training.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The issue highlights ongoing debates surrounding curriculum design within higher education institutions in India. While culturally relevant content is crucial to connecting students with contemporary arts and literature, integrating materials beyond customary academic structures frequently enough sparks contention over relevance or appropriateness-seen here through critiques from political figures and academic experts alike.

Basheer’s recommendations underscore a pragmatic approach by prioritizing student accessibility and focusing on academic rigor rather than forcing comparisons that may lack deep pedagogical basis. The removal of politically charged or technically inaccessible study materials could ensure smoother implementation while maintaining focus on Malayalam literature as core content for undergraduate studies.

For policymakers and educators alike,this case serves as an example where cultural sensitivity must balance with practical learning goals across evolving educational frameworks.

Read more: Published – July 16, 2025 08:36 pm IST