Kerala Arts Festival Faces Dual Controversies: Performance vs Competition Rights and Worker Demands
Students from Kerala Kalamandalam, the state's premier arts institution, find themselves in an ironic situation at the upcoming State School Arts Festival. They will perform the welcome song dance but are being denied the chance to compete in the festival events. This exclusion has sparked strong reactions from the institution's authorities.
The Performance That Highlights the Paradox
Forty-one Kalamandalam students will present a six-and-a-half minute dance performance for the welcome song. The choreography by Kalamandalam Rajitha Ravi brings together multiple art forms including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Ottan Thullal, Kuchipudi and folk dance. This elaborate presentation showcases the students' talents even as they remain sidelined from competitive events.
Education Department's Stance and Kalamandalam's Counter-Argument
The education department justifies the exclusion by stating that Kalamandalam students pursue various arts as their core subjects. However, Kalamandalam officials strongly disagree with this reasoning.
"It is alright if you exclude Kalamandalam students from items such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Maddalam and classical music," said Kalamandalam vice-chancellor B Ananthakrishnan. "But what is wrong in allowing them in disciplines like story writing or elocution?"
The institution argues that their students deserve opportunities to compete in other disciplines beyond their specialized training.
Political Intervention Sought
During a rehearsal visit, Kalamandalam officials brought this issue to the attention of Revenue Minister K Rajan. The minister promised to take up the matter, according to the vice-chancellor. This development offers some hope for resolution before the festival begins.
Noon-Meal Workers Launch Parallel Protest
Meanwhile, another controversy brews around the festival. A section of school noon-meal workers has decided to protest on the inaugural day. They are demanding better wages and working conditions.
"While there is so much hype about the meal preparations — Pazhayidom Ruchi and the like — little attention is being paid to the pathetic plight of noon-meal workers," said Sreedharan Therambil, leader of an HMS-affiliated union of noon-meal workers.
These workers cook food daily for tens of thousands of students across the state.
Specific Demands of the Workers
The protesting workers have put forward clear demands. They want their daily wage increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000. They also seek a fixed student-worker ratio of 1:250.
Union leaders point to neighboring states like Tamil Nadu as examples. There, noon-meal workers receive recognition as contingency staff. This status makes them eligible for benefits like EPF and gratuity.
The workers argue that similar recognition in Kerala would significantly improve their working conditions and financial security.
Festival Atmosphere Overshadowed by Concerns
These dual controversies threaten to overshadow the celebratory atmosphere of the State School Arts Festival. On one side, talented arts students face exclusion from competition despite their performance role. On the other, essential workers who support the education system demand fair treatment.
Both issues highlight broader questions about inclusion and recognition within Kerala's cultural and educational landscape. The festival, meant to celebrate artistic achievement, now also serves as a platform for these important discussions.
