General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Friday inaugurated School Sasthrolsavam, Kerala’s largest science fair for students, at Moyan’s School, Palakkad. | Photo credit: KK Mustafah
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty initiated a discussion on the introduction of a uniform, secular school prayer in the state. Inaugurating the 57th State School Science Festival at Government Moyan Model Girls Higher Secondary School here on Friday, Mr. Sivankutty emphasized the need to have a common anthem for all school events.
Mr. Sivankutty announced that the government will introduce a gold cup for the winners of the State School Science Festival from next year. The large audience greeted his announcement with applause. He also said that the prize money for the winners will be increased from next year.
The minister opened a discussion on the need for common school prayer at the same time on his Facebook, where he said that it should be a hymn representing democratic, secular, scientific and constitutional values. He was looking for people’s opinions on it.
Mr Sivankutty has previously advocated a revision of school prayers. This July, he highlighted the need for secular and inclusive prayers that respect all faiths. He criticized the practice of different schools using different prayers. According to him, school prayer should be acceptable to everyone and not impose the beliefs of one religion on others.
The minister’s proposal for a secular anthem drew mixed reactions on social media. While many welcomed the idea, others questioned the timing and warned it was playing into the hands of religious fundamentalists.
Some people suggested using the national anthem at the beginning and end of school hours, while others went further and advocated ending school prayers due to concerns about affecting study time.
Mamkootathil shares the stage
Rahul Mamkootathil, Palakkad MLA, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct and boycott calls from BJP and DYFI, appeared at the inauguration of the school’s science festival. He shared the dais with Mr Sivankutty and Excise Minister MB Rajesh, despite their earlier criticism.
Mr. Rajesh presided over the function. But BJP municipal councilor Mini Krishnakumar staged a strike when Mr. Mamkootathil took the stage. She said she will not share the stage with a man who engages in activities against women. Mr. Mamkootathil continued to present the felicitations.
Earlier, Mr. Sivankutty had suggested expelling Mr. Mamkootathil from the organizing committee of the school’s science festival, citing concerns about his presence causing anxiety among students.
A few days ago, Mr. Mamkootathil shared the dais with Power Minister K. Krishnankutty and Kongad MLA K. Santhakumari here.
Published – 07 Nov 2025 20:18 IST
