Malappuram (Kerala): The Calicut University Board of Studies has decided to retain in the BA third semester Malayalam syllabus songs by rapper-lyricist Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, and singer-composer Gowry Lekshmi.

The Malayalam Board of Studies, headed by Dr M S Ajith, recently submitted a report to the University Registrar stating that the songs “should not be omitted” and must continue to be taught.

Earlier, following protests, the university had appointed Dr M M Basheer, former head of the Malayalam department, to review the inclusion of the songs. Basheer had recommended their exclusion, but his report was later rejected by the Board.

Ajith told PTI that Basheer's report had “no legal validity.” “We returned the report to the Registrar on Monday. We have decided to continue these songs in the syllabus,” he said.

He said Vedan's rap number 'Bhoomi njan vaazhunna idam' (The Earth Where I Live) should not be judged on literary merit, adding that its importance lies in the message it conveys.

The Board also dismissed Basheer's observation that Gowry Lekshmi's 'Kathakali' song lacked devotion, stating that the selections were not based on devotional content but on their social message.

Both songs are part of the comparative literature module for third-semester Malayalam degree students. Earlier, Education Minister V Sivankutty had condemned the proposal to drop the songs.

The decision to retain Vedan's work has, however, sparked criticism, as the rapper was booked in multiple sexual misconduct cases earlier this year.