Idukki diocese screens controversial film 'The Kerala Story' for students

IDUKKI: On April 4th, as part of summer catechism, the Diocese of Idukki organized a screening of the film 'The Kerala Story' for students from grades ten to twelve. The explanation provided was that the film aimed to raise awareness about 'love jihad.'

Father Jins Karakatt, representing the Diocese of Idukki, stated that the film was screened because 'love jihad' continues to be an issue in Kerala. He mentioned that the topic of love was addressed in class due to concerns about students becoming involved in romantic entanglements. The students were asked to watch the film and evaluate it and awareness about romantic entanglements was provided. Father Jins Karakatt clarified that the film was chosen for its theme of love and not because it was controversial.

'The Kerala Story' was also broadcast on Doordarshan, which sparked controversy. The broadcast occurred on April 5th at 8 PM. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan demanded that Doordarshan withdraw its decision to air the film, accusing it of promoting hatred against Kerala. He also urged the central government to refrain from undermining Kerala during the elections. CPM state secretariat echoed these demands, calling for Doordarshan to refrain from airing 'The Kerala Story.'

Opposition leader VD Satheesan also called for the central government to withdraw its decision to broadcast 'The Kerala Story' on Doordarshan. He criticized the film as being full of lies about Kerala and accused the Modi-led government of attempting to divide secular society by airing such content. Satheesan alleged that Doordarshan was being exploited for political gain by the Sangh Parivar, violating the Model Code of Conduct(MCC).