Vedan's Protest Rap Now Part Of Calicut University Syllabus Alongside Michael Jackson's Global Anthem
Calicut University has included a socially charged Malayalam rap song by the Ambedkarite artist Vedan in its BA Malayalam Fourth Semester syllabus, positioning it alongside a global anthem of protest, Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Care About Us.
The song, titled Bhumi Njaan Vaazhunnidam, which speaks from the raw, lived realities of marginalised communities in Kerala, will now be part of a comparative study module exploring the intersection of music, protest, and politics across cultures.
The new syllabus aims to examine how music becomes a medium of dissent and a tool for social change, with Vedan’s grounded critique of caste, displacement, and oppression being contrasted with Jackson’s iconic track that railed against racial injustice, systemic neglect, and state violence in 1990s America.
The module encourages students to analyse American and Malayalam rap through a socio-political lens, exploring themes of marginalisation and resistance.
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Even as his artistic merit earns him a place in the classroom, Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, finds himself under fire from sections of the political right.
On May 23, BJP councillor V.S. Minimol from Palakkad Municipality filed a formal complaint to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Vedan under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). She alleged that the rapper’s lyrics “mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi” and promote “caste hatred” under the guise of protest.
Ms. Minimol accused Vedan of spreading divisive sentiments and asserted that casteism had already been eliminated from Indian society — a claim that critics and scholars alike dispute. “These songs seek to stir disunity among Hindus and question the legitimacy of our national leaders,” she claimed.
Vedan, known for his bold and brutally honest lyricism, rose to prominence after his 2019 track Voice of the Voiceless highlighted institutional apathy, caste oppression, and social alienation. His rise has been meteoric, striking a chord with Kerala’s youth, especially those navigating the realities of caste and colour-based discrimination.
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The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] quickly came to Vedan’s defence. CPI(M) MP and DYFI national president A. A. Rahim described the NIA complaint as a “symbol of BJP’s fear of dissent” and “a clear instance of intolerance towards artistic freedom.”
He noted that the BJP and Sangh Parivar’s response reflected their discomfort with voices that challenge their narrative of a homogenised Hindu society.
The BJP-controlled Palakkad Municipality, meanwhile, has demanded compensation from the SC/ST department for alleged damages during a public event that featured Vedan — another attempt, CPI(M) leaders claim, to suppress cultural expression from marginalised communities.
In a further twist, the chief trustee of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, P. Sasikala, described Vedan’s music as a “blot on Adivasi heritage”, triggering backlash from human rights groups. The CPI(M) has since demanded that police register a case against Sasikala for making casteist comments.
Additionally, the editor of Kesari, the RSS mouthpiece, has been indicted by Kollam police under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity and for calling Vedan a “caste terrorist” in a widely circulated article. The move follows a public outcry against attempts to vilify artists and thinkers challenging dominant power structures.
Vedan first made a name for himself in 2020 with his debut music video “Voice of the Voiceless,” which struck a chord with audiences for its bold lyrics and social commentary.
His second release, “Bhoomi Njan Vazhunidam,” continued his rise in the Kerala music scene. Since then, Vedan has established himself not only as a rapper but also as a talented lyricist, having contributed significantly to the 2024 movie Manjummel Boys, where he penned the track “Kuthanthram.”
He has also been a part of major films, lending his voice and writing skills to songs such as “Narabali” for Nayattu (2021) and “La Vida” for KARAM (2023).
In 2021, Vedan was accused of sexual misconduct by several women, which he addressed with a public apology, a response that garnered mixed social media reactions.
