An expert panel at the University of Calicut has recommended the removal of songs by rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) and singer Gowry Lekshmi from the BA Malayalam syllabus, triggering political and cultural debate across Kerala.
The songs — “Bhoomi Njan Vazhunnidam” by Vedan and “Ajita Hare” by Gowry — were part of the “Introduction to Comparative Literature” course under the Puthu Pravanathakal (New Trends) module for third-semester students. Their inclusion had been approved in a board meeting held on May 31 for implementation in the upcoming academic year.
However, following complaints raised by BJP-affiliated syndicate member A.K. Anuraj, the Save University Forum, Senate member A.V. Hareesh, and others, the Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran constituted a committee chaired by former Malayalam department head M.M. Basheer to review the decision.
The panel’s report argued that Vedan’s rap track was too complex to be meaningfully compared with Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us,” while Gowry’s piece required musical training to effectively analyze its Kathakali and classical components. The committee recommended both songs be removed and replaced with content more accessible to the students.
The controversy deepened as political and social overtones emerged. Anuraj cited the rapper’s alleged criminal history, drug-related cases, and his self-declared disinterest in being a role model, raising concerns over the message his inclusion might send to students. He also criticized the use of YouTube links in academic material.
On the other hand, P.P. Sumod, MLA from Tarur and university syndicate member, dismissed the objections as casteist and politically motivated. “There is discomfort in some circles over a Dalit artist’s popularity. This resistance is deeply rooted in social bias,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty described the backlash as a reflection of long-held prejudices, writing on Facebook that fear of artists like Vedan and Gowry is “ingrained in some people’s DNA.”
TS Syamkumar, a noted writer and Sanskrit scholar, went further, criticizing the move as an attempt to transform universities into caste-based strongholds. He argued that the effort to preserve dominant caste narratives in academia clashes with the progressive politics embedded in Vedan’s lyrics.
Despite the controversy, Basheer denied any political bias, stating that the committee’s recommendations were purely academic. He also expressed appreciation for Vedan’s work on a personal level.
Vedan, for his part, said he is indifferent to the decision and remains focused on his creative work. “Inclusion or removal doesn’t change what I do,” he told reporters.
The report will now be submitted to the Board of Studies, which will take a final call on whether the songs remain in the curriculum.
