What Prompted Kerala’s Education Minister to Order an Inquiry into the Halted Mime Performance?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- V. Sivankutty ordered an inquiry into a halted mime performance.
- The event took place at Kasaragod Kumbala Higher Secondary School.
- The Minister emphasized Kerala's commitment to human rights.
- Students will be allowed to perform the mime again.
- The incident has sparked discussions on student rights and creative expression.
Kasaragod, Oct 4 (NationPress) Kerala’s Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, on Saturday, initiated an inquiry following the interruption of a mime performance at a school, leading to the rescheduling of the festival. He emphasized that the state expresses its solidarity with the children and families in Palestine.
The event was being held at Kasaragod Kumbala Higher Secondary School.
Minister Sivankutty directed the Director of Public Education to conduct an immediate investigation and present a report on the situation.
“Understanding the reasons behind the interruption of the performance and the alteration of the festival is crucial,” stated the Minister.
The Minister reinforced Kerala’s unwavering position on global human rights matters.
“Kerala has consistently opposed the genocide perpetrated by Israel against Palestine. We stand united with the children and families facing persecution there. It is unacceptable for any authority to restrict students from voicing their perspectives on such critical issues,” he remarked.
Clarifying the government’s stance on student rights and creative expression, Sivankutty asserted, “I want to stress that students at Kumbala School will be permitted to showcase the same mime performance on stage. It is essential to foster creative expression in educational environments, particularly when it addresses social and global matters.”
The Minister’s comments highlight the Kerala government’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression in schools while remaining mindful of sensitive social and political issues.
He reiterated that the interrupted performance does not represent the state’s official position regarding the Palestine issue but is a matter to be clarified through investigation.
This incident has ignited discussions regarding the role of educational institutions in facilitating students' engagement with global issues via cultural activities.
The investigation and the resulting report from the Directorate of Public Education are anticipated to shed more light on the situation and safeguard students’ opportunities for creative expression in the future.