Garikapati’s “Kodiguddu” Statement Sparks Backlash

Garikapati Narasimha Rao is one of the most respected and highly rated individuals in the Hindu community. The way he preaches the values of the Hindu Dharma, and also of human behavioural sciences in general is widely perceived and appreciated by one and all. 

But the latest video of this Telugu scholar has gone viral on social media and there are many negative reactions to the same.

In this viral video, Garikapati is seen expressing a controversial stand in connection with midday meals program at government schools. He questioned the need for the government to provide such meals to students.

“Why should government spend money on providing uniforms, books, and meals to students? And what kind of senseless decision is it to provide eggs in these midday meals? These students must bring food from their houses if they want to study. If they want to study, then they can do it or else they can leave. No one is stopping them.” Garikapati stated.  

The reputed scholar pointed out that the only responsibility of the government is to provide quality education for students but not to give uniforms, books and food. “ If you provide all this to students, they will become ‘Shobhanam gadilo pellikodukulu’.”

He might have his sensibilities and opinions on this matter, this statement about “Kodiguddu” and questioning the need to provide basic midday meal to students is not going well. Many people are pointing out that the government spends thousands of crores on administrative duties every year and it should not be a problem to provide basic meals to underprivileged students at schools. 

Considering the poverty index, not everyone is capable of sending kids to schools at any capacity. So providing uniform, food and books would encourage a significant portion of underprivileged people to send their kids to schools which is the collective aim.