Row over change in Kuvempu’s slogan at Karnataka’s residential schools

The 819 Morarji Desai Residential Schools in the state fall under the ambit of the social welfare department. The row erupted after a purported Telegram message by P Manivannan, principal secretary to the government, social welfare department, went viral where he is heard directing residential school authorities to replace Kuvempu’s slogan with the new one.

Following this message, videos and pictures surfaced from multiple residential schools where the original slogan of Kuvempu was replaced with the new one last week.

However, on Monday, speaking to the press, Manivannan denied issuing any orders to change the slogan. “We have the utmost respect for Kuvempu. There is no order or circular given to change the slogan,” he clarified.

The latest development comes soon after the social welfare department withdrew an order curbing the celebration of religious festivals, irrespective of faith, at residential schools on February 15.

While the Opposition alleged that the slogan was changed arbitrarily, BJP leaders said it was an insult to Kuvempu.

“Kuvempu’s slogan on folding hands is part of his literary works. Why should we change any of that?” Karnataka Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa said.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, “We (Congress) advocate and promote the principles of Kuvempu. They (BJP) are engaging only in identifying such mistakes and not focusing on livelihood. BJP thinks only about emotions. But we are thinking of livelihood.”

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