Kerala Government Initiates Legal Inquiry into RSS Anthem Controversy at Vande Bharat Flag-Off

Kerala: The Kerala government has launched a formal legal inquiry into reports that school students sang a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem during the launch of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on November 8, 2025. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty ordered the probe, directing officials to examine whether the incident violated any provisions of the Kerala Education Act or the Kerala Education Rules. The issue came to light after videos emerged showing students from Saraswathi Vidyalaya singing what was identified as the RSS “Gana Geetham” in the presence of Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and other guests. The programme, held on board the Vande Bharat train, was meant to mark the new service’s inauguration. The focus, however, quickly shifted once questions were raised over the nature of the song and the setting in which it was performed.

On November 9, Minister Sivankutty asked the Director of General Education to prepare a detailed report. He said the government considers the issue serious and stressed that events involving students must remain consistent with constitutional values. Under the Kerala Education Act of 1958 and the Kerala Education Rules of 1959, institutions are barred from using school platforms for political or communal messaging. These regulations also require that student activities reflect secular and inclusive principles. Schools found to be in breach may face penalties, including withdrawal of their No Objection Certificate, regardless of board affiliation. The inquiry will examine whether the song qualifies as ideological promotion and whether students were instructed or guided by anyone outside the institution. Section 36 of the Kerala Education Rules prohibits schools from promoting political ideologies or religious doctrines, while Rule 24 requires approval from the Director of General Education for programmes involving student participation to ensure compliance with state norms. Speaking from New Delhi, where he was attending meetings linked to the PM-SHRI scheme, Sivankutty said he planned to raise the issue with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He reiterated that involving children in any activity that advances a communal narrative at an official event would violate established educational guidelines.

The school has maintained that the song was chosen spontaneously by students after a media request and not as part of an organized programme. The inquiry will look into whether there was any coordination or endorsement by the school. If violations are confirmed, the institution could face action under Rule 7 of the Kerala Education Act, which permits suspension of recognition and other disciplinary measures. The issue has revived broader discussions on ideological content in public schooling and the limits of what may be included in ceremonies tied to government initiatives. While the state government has avoided political remarks, the administrative steps taken so far signal an emphasis on preserving neutrality in education-related functions. A preliminary report from the Director of General Education is expected within a week. Depending on the findings, the government may initiate additional proceedings or expand the scope of the inquiry. Officials will also consider whether existing rules governing student participation in public events require updates to prevent similar incidents.

As of November 10, 2025, the investigation is still in progress, and no formal charges have been issued. The government has stated that any further action will adhere to legal provisions and will focus on upholding standards applicable to educational institutions in the state.