Overview

• A viral video showed students at Bharatheeya Vidya Niketan-run CBSE schools in Kasaragod and Mavelikkara performing ‘Guru Pada Pooja’ foot-washing during Guru Purnima
• Education Minister V. Sivankutty condemned the practice as undemocratic and directed the Directorate of Public Instruction to seek explanations from the schools
• The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights launched a suo motu case to examine potential violations of child rights and the Right to Education Act
• Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar defended the foot-washing ceremonies as part of Indian cultural heritage, heightening conflict with the state government
• Schools await the DPI report this week while student and youth federations continue protests against what they call feudal practices