The recent decision of Kannur University to incorporate ‘My Life as a Comrade,’ the autobiography of former Kerala minister and CPM senior leader K.K. Shailaja, into its syllabus has ignited a contentious debate. The move has triggered discussions on the role of politics in shaping educational content.
The controversy surrounding this decision follows closely after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Union government of influencing educational topics to further their own interests. This claim was made in response to the inclusion of certain portions, such as the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, in a Senior Secondary Schools textbook released by the Kerala government. These portions were earlier removed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
The autobiography, ‘My Life as a Comrade,’ has been added to the revised syllabus of the first semester of MA English, specifically under the Life Writing section. This inclusion places it alongside autobiographies of prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and tribal activist C.K. Janu.
The controversy takes a political turn as Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan accuses the CPM-led government of politicizing higher secondary education in the state. Khan specifically targets Kannur University, raising concerns about the university’s curriculum choices.
K.K. Shailaja served as the Health Minister in the first Pinarayi Vijayan government from 2016 to 2021. Her contributions during Kerala’s battle against the NIPAH virus and the Covid-19 pandemic earned her widespread appreciation. Despite winning the 2021 assembly election by a significant margin and being anticipated as a member of the second Pinarayi Vijayan ministry, she was excluded from the cabinet, citing the party’s policy against giving second terms to ministers.
The controversy over the inclusion of ‘My Life as a Comrade’ in the university syllabus raises questions about the intersection of politics and education. Critics argue that educational content should remain unbiased and reflective of diverse perspectives, while proponents argue for the inclusion of a range of viewpoints to foster critical thinking among students. The debate underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of educational institutions and the need to ensure that curricula are free from undue political influence.
