3 weeks ago
Kerala Minister Warns Disciplinary Action in Savarkar Quiz Row
A teacher in Kerala made a quiz for school students.
One of the quiz questions asked which freedom fighter got the biggest punishment from the British.
The prepared answer to the question named V D Savarkar.
Some people were not happy with this and protested.
The education department started an inquiry into the matter.
The teacher who made the question was suspended from his duties for now.
The education minister said other teachers could also face action if they were involved.
He said the quiz was not part of the official school calendar and was organized for Independence Day.
The teacher will remain suspended while the investigation continues.
A final decision will be made only after the investigation report is ready.
Kerala Education Minister N Shamsudheen said disciplinary action will be taken against more teachers if found involved in the Savarkar quiz row.
Teacher Guru Prasad of Aided Upper Primary School Pallathadka in Kasaragod was suspended for preparing the questionnaire.
The Social Science Club Freedom Quiz 2026, held on August 6, asked which freedom fighter received the maximum punishment from the British, listing V D Savarkar as the answer.
The question triggered controversy and widespread protests, prompting education authorities to start an inquiry.
The minister said the locally organised quiz was not among the department's approved activities and was allegedly used for serious personal interests.
- Who
- Kerala Education Minister N Shamsudheen, who made the statement; teacher Guru Prasad, who was suspended; and Director General of General Education Snehil Kumar Singh, who issued the suspension order.
- What
- Disciplinary action over a school quiz question that described V D Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the maximum punishment from the British.
- Where
- Kerala, in the Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts of Kasaragod district.
- When
- Minister's statement on Monday, August 10, 2026, after the quiz on August 6 and the suspension order issued the previous Sunday.
- Why
- The question and answer triggered controversy and widespread protests, and the minister said the quiz was outside approved departmental activities and used for personal interests.
Education department and protesters
Defenders of the local quiz's routine practice
Nature of the quiz
Education department and protesters
The quiz is not part of the department's approved co-curricular activities or official calendar and was used to push personal interests, making it a disciplinary matter.
Defenders of the local quiz's routine practice
The quiz is a local Independence Day programme that has been conducted within the Assistant Educational Officers' jurisdiction every year for the last few years.
Scope of disciplinary action
Education department and protesters
Action will be taken against anyone else involved, or any higher officials found negligent or complicit, and suspension pending investigation is the standard process.
Defenders of the local quiz's routine practice
Prima facie the allegation is against one teacher only, and a final decision will be made only after the investigation report comes out.
Key facts
- Education Minister
- N Shamsudheen
- Suspended Teacher
- Guru Prasad, Aided Upper Primary School (AUPS) Pallathadka
- Suspension Order Issued By
- Director General of General Education Snehil Kumar Singh
- Quiz
- Social Science Club Freedom Quiz 2026
- Quiz Date
- August 6, 2026
- Location
- Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, Kasaragod, Kerala
- Controversial Question
- Freedom fighter who received the maximum punishment from the British — answer: V D Savarkar
- Current Status
- Teacher suspended pending investigation; inquiry ongoing
Quotes
N Shamsudheen
Kerala Education Minister
“It is not right to use the schemes of the Education Department to implement one’s personal interests without maintaining that discipline.”
theprint.in
“An investigation is still ongoing — that is the standard process. The individual has been suspended pending investigation.”
theprint.in
Sources
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