Kerala will wake up to a new morning on Tuesday as Governor Arif Mohammed Khan is all set to don the role of Gurunathan for more than 50 tiny tots. The Governor, a scholar of repute will initiate these children (all aged three) to the world of letters and knowledge on Vijayadashami Day, an auspicious day to mark Vidyarambham (beginning of one’s education). This is the first time in the history of South India the Raj Bhavan is becoming a temple of learning and the Governor himself coming forward to initiate the children to the world of learning.
Though Navaratri festivities are not as popular as Onam in Kerala, Vijayadashami and Vidyarambham days are celebrated with gaiety. The students make full use of the two days as they get a break from studies. “Books are kept for Pooja and reading and writing are not allowed during these days. “Books are take off the sanctum sanctorum of the temples on Vidyarambham day and students resume their studies,” says Subramanian Namboodiri, a traditional priest of Lord Krishn Temple at Chelamattam, known more as Dakshina Kashi.
Men of letters and scholars initiate the infants to the world of education in this centuries old tradition. Governor arif Mohammed Khan is the first Muslim to perform this Pooja. What adds to the uniqueness of the event is the fact that Muslims refuse to light the traditional lamp ( Kuthuvilakku). There was an instance in the recent past when noted musician Yesudas walked out of event following the refusal of Muslim League leader and then minister P K Kunhalikutty to light up the traditional lamp during a public function. The Muslims consider lighting the lamp (Kuthuvilakku) as un-Islamic.
In Brihadaranyakopanishath , Janaka reportedly asked Saint Yaagnavalkya about the force that provides light to the universe after sunset. “It is words.. words enlighten the world. Vaage Vaasya Jyothi. This is what Yaagnavalkya told Janaka,” said Vedic scholar Unnikrishnan Panicker reacting to the decision of the Governor to initiate children to the world of letters. “Being the First Citizen of the State and a scholar of reputation, he is launching a revolution,” said Panicker.
On Tuesday morning, the Governor will use his gold ring with which he would write Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namah on the tongue of the children and make them write the same on a platter filled with rice, flowers and other auspicious pooja materials. “This is the new India and tge Governor is ushering in Bharath and reviving a tradition. Though some Churches across Kerala observe Vidyarambham, it is yet to get the acceptability and respect it deserve,” said Kevin Peter, President, Christian Alliance and Association for Social Action (CASA).
The importance of Vidyarambham could be understood by the list of persons who don the role of Guru for initiating children to the world of letters. M T Vasudevan Nair, poet Sreekumaran Thampi, are some of the prominent men of letters chosen to perform Akshara Deeksha. Elsewhere in the State, fathers as well as grand fathers perform this custom, an event which is as memorable and important in the life of a child.