'Which freedom fighter got most severe punishment?' Kerala probes Savarkar quiz
A political controversy has emerged in Kerala after a school quiz identified Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the most severe punishment from the British. The state's education minister has ordered an inquiry, labeling the question historically incorrect and unauthorized.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing ideological battle over historical narratives in Indian education and the influence of political agendas on school curricula.
NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Kerala over a school quiz question that described Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the "most severe punishment" from the British, prompting general education minister N Samsudheen to order an inquiry.The "Freedom Quiz" was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students in schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, according to news agency PTI.The disputed question asked: "Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?" Savarkar was given as the answer.The minister's office said Samsudheen has directed the director of general education to establish who prepared and conducted the quiz and take stringent action against those responsible.Education department says quiz was not authorisedAccording to the minister's office, the quiz was not included in the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department.
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