Sivankutty moots unified, secular school prayer

General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has initiated a discussion on introducing a unified, secular school prayer in the State. Inaugurating the 57^th State school science festival at Government Moyan Model Girls Higher Secondary School here on Friday, Mr. Sivankutty stressed the need for having a common anthem for all school events.

Mr. Sivankutty announced that the government would introduce a gold cup for the winners of the State school science festival from next year. The large audience received his announcement with applause. He also said that the cash prizes for the winners would be increased from next year.

The Minister opened the discussion for the need for a common school prayer simultaneously on his Facebook page, where he said that it should be an anthem upholding democratic, secular, scientific and constitutional values. He has sought people’s views about it.

Mr. Sivankutty had earlier advocated for a review of school prayers. In July this year, he had raised the need for secular and inclusive prayers that respect all faiths. He criticised the practice of different schools using different prayers. According to him, the school prayer should be acceptable to everyone and not impose one religion’s beliefs on others.

The Minister’s suggestion for a secular anthem drew mixed reactions on social media. While many welcomed the idea, others questioned the timing and warned him that he was playing into the hands of religious fundamentalists.

Some people suggested using the national anthem at the start and end of school hours, while others went further, advocating for an end to school prayers due to concerns about impacting study time.

Mamkootathil shares stage

Rahul Mamkootathil, Palakkad MLA facing sexual misbehaviour allegations and boycott calls from BJP and DYFI, made a notable appearance at the school science festival inauguration. He shared the stage with Mr. Sivankutty and Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh, despite their earlier criticism.

Mr. Rajesh presided over the function. But BJP municipal councillor Mini Krishnakumar staged a walkout as Mr. Mamkootathil took the stage. She said she would not share the stage with a man engaged in anti-women activities. Mr. Mamkootathil went on to deliver his felicitation.

Earlier, Mr. Sivankutty had suggested excluding Mr. Mamkootathil from the school science fest organising committee, citing concerns about his presence causing angst among students.

A few days ago, Mr. Mamkootathil had shared a stage here with Minister for Power K. Krishnankutty and Kongad MLA K. Santhakumari.