Kozhikode: In a move stirring debate across academic and cultural circles, an expert committee appointed by the Vice Chancellor of Calicut University has recommended the removal of songs by rapper Vedan and lyricist-singer Gauri Lakshmi from the BA Malayalam syllabus.
Vedan’s politically charged rap “Bhoomi Njaan Vaazhunnidam” had been included in the third-semester curriculum alongside Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” for a comparative study of global and regional rap music. Similarly, Gauri Lakshmi’s “Ajitha Hare” was featured for comparison with traditional Kathakali music.
However, the panel led by Dr. M.M. Basheer, former head of the Malayalam department, found that the songs lacked sufficient academic grounding for university-level study. The report stated that genres like rap and contemporary fusion may not be suitable for literary comparison in a conventional syllabus and could be too complex for undergraduate students without proper contextual understanding.
The controversy gained traction after Syndicate member A.K. Anuraj filed a complaint with the Kerala Governor, objecting to Vedan’s inclusion on the grounds of his public admission to using substances like cannabis and alcohol. Anuraj argued that such an artist being featured in academic material sends the wrong message to students.
Following the backlash, the university constituted the expert panel, which has now formally advised dropping both tracks, citing concerns over academic suitability, cultural sensitivity, and the potential for misguiding students.
The decision is expected to ignite wider conversations about the evolving place of popular and protest music within Indian academia.
