File photo: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Kerala over a school quiz question that described Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the “most severe punishment” from the British, prompting general education minister N Samsudheen to order an inquiry.The “Freedom Quiz” was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students in schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, according to news agency PTI.The disputed question asked: “Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?” Savarkar was given as the answer.The minister’s office said Samsudheen has directed the director of general education to establish who prepared and conducted the quiz and take stringent action against those responsible.Education department says quiz was not authorisedAccording to the minister’s office, the quiz was not included in the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department. Neither had authorised anyone to independently prepare the questions or conduct the competition.”The person who included the historically incorrect question holds a prejudiced view,” the minister’s office said, adding that the Education Director had been instructed to identify those responsible and take strict action.As per PTI, teachers associated with the Social Science Club had prepared the questionnaire.The controversy has since drawn criticism from the CPI(M) and Left-affiliated student and youth organisations, which accused the Congress-led UDF government of allowing what they described as a “Sangh Parivar agenda” to enter the education system.Pinarayi Vijayan accuses government of ‘colluding’ with RSSCPI(M) veteran and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of “colluding” with the RSS and alleged that efforts were being made to conceal Savarkar’s history and glorify him.Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan alleged that the Centre and the RSS were attempting to “rewrite history”. He also linked the controversy to the Centre’s efforts to implement its new education policy in Kerala.Former general education minister V Sivankutty also criticised the question, alleging that it was part of an attempt to “saffronise” Kerala’s general education sector and distort the history of India’s freedom struggle.Sivankutty demanded a comprehensive inquiry, strict action against those responsible and the withdrawal of the disputed question and answer. He also sought an apology from the General Education Department.Left groups, IUML leaders criticise questionSFI state secretary P S Sanjeev alleged that the quiz sought to portray Savarkar as a freedom fighter. In a social media post, he criticised the UDF government and alleged that the general education portfolio was being used to create space for the Sangh Parivar.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesDYFI state secretary K Sanoj also criticised the government, saying there was no justification for a school quiz to contain a question that allegedly glorified Savarkar.Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former minister M K Muneer said portraying Savarkar as a patriot was part of the RSS-BJP agenda.Muneer, however, said that if the question had indeed been included in the quiz, the matter should be seriously examined and those responsible identified, adding that it should not be treated lightly.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In Ranchi123PhotostoriesDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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File photo: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Kerala over a school quiz question that described Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the “most severe punishment” from the British, prompting general education minister N Samsudheen to order an inquiry.The “Freedom Quiz” was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students in schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, according to news agency PTI.The disputed question asked: “Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?” Savarkar was given as the answer.The minister’s office said Samsudheen has directed the director of general education to establish who prepared and conducted the quiz and take stringent action against those responsible.Education department says quiz was not authorisedAccording to the minister’s office, the quiz was not included in the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department. Neither had authorised anyone to independently prepare the questions or conduct the competition.”The person who included the historically incorrect question holds a prejudiced view,” the minister’s office said, adding that the Education Director had been instructed to identify those responsible and take strict action.As per PTI, teachers associated with the Social Science Club had prepared the questionnaire.The controversy has since drawn criticism from the CPI(M) and Left-affiliated student and youth organisations, which accused the Congress-led UDF government of allowing what they described as a “Sangh Parivar agenda” to enter the education system.Pinarayi Vijayan accuses government of ‘colluding’ with RSSCPI(M) veteran and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of “colluding” with the RSS and alleged that efforts were being made to conceal Savarkar’s history and glorify him.Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan alleged that the Centre and the RSS were attempting to “rewrite history”. He also linked the controversy to the Centre’s efforts to implement its new education policy in Kerala.Former general education minister V Sivankutty also criticised the question, alleging that it was part of an attempt to “saffronise” Kerala’s general education sector and distort the history of India’s freedom struggle.Sivankutty demanded a comprehensive inquiry, strict action against those responsible and the withdrawal of the disputed question and answer. He also sought an apology from the General Education Department.Left groups, IUML leaders criticise questionSFI state secretary P S Sanjeev alleged that the quiz sought to portray Savarkar as a freedom fighter. In a social media post, he criticised the UDF government and alleged that the general education portfolio was being used to create space for the Sangh Parivar.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesDYFI state secretary K Sanoj also criticised the government, saying there was no justification for a school quiz to contain a question that allegedly glorified Savarkar.Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former minister M K Muneer said portraying Savarkar as a patriot was part of the RSS-BJP agenda.Muneer, however, said that if the question had indeed been included in the quiz, the matter should be seriously examined and those responsible identified, adding that it should not be treated lightly.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In Ranchi123PhotostoriesDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? The surprising reason behind this everyday feature5 traditional oils to mix with curry leaves for thicker, stronger, and longer hairManisha Rani’s approximately Rs 6 crore luxurious Mumbai home: A fancy walk-in closet, vanity and moreWhy do we light diyas? 5 spiritual meanings behind this everyday ritualKriti Sanon’s bridal era just went futuristic in Gaurav Gupta couture123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case


'Which freedom fighter received most severe punishment?' Kerala orders probe into Savarkar quiz
File photo: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Kerala over a school quiz question that described Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the “most severe punishment” from the British, prompting general education minister N Samsudheen to order an inquiry.The “Freedom Quiz” was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students in schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, according to news agency PTI.The disputed question asked: “Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?” Savarkar was given as the answer.The minister’s office said Samsudheen has directed the director of general education to establish who prepared and conducted the quiz and take stringent action against those responsible.

Education department says quiz was not authorised

According to the minister’s office, the quiz was not included in the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department. Neither had authorised anyone to independently prepare the questions or conduct the competition.“The person who included the historically incorrect question holds a prejudiced view,” the minister’s office said, adding that the Education Director had been instructed to identify those responsible and take strict action.As per PTI, teachers associated with the Social Science Club had prepared the questionnaire.The controversy has since drawn criticism from the CPI(M) and Left-affiliated student and youth organisations, which accused the Congress-led UDF government of allowing what they described as a “Sangh Parivar agenda” to enter the education system.

Pinarayi Vijayan accuses government of ‘colluding’ with RSS

CPI(M) veteran and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of “colluding” with the RSS and alleged that efforts were being made to conceal Savarkar’s history and glorify him.Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan alleged that the Centre and the RSS were attempting to “rewrite history”. He also linked the controversy to the Centre’s efforts to implement its new education policy in Kerala.Former general education minister V Sivankutty also criticised the question, alleging that it was part of an attempt to “saffronise” Kerala’s general education sector and distort the history of India’s freedom struggle.Sivankutty demanded a comprehensive inquiry, strict action against those responsible and the withdrawal of the disputed question and answer. He also sought an apology from the General Education Department.

Left groups, IUML leaders criticise question

SFI state secretary P S Sanjeev alleged that the quiz sought to portray Savarkar as a freedom fighter. In a social media post, he criticised the UDF government and alleged that the general education portfolio was being used to create space for the Sangh Parivar.

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