ISL 2018: CK Vineeth's step sets an example for 1.25 lakh students in Kerala

What's the story?

Kerala's state Education Minister C Raveendranath informed the state assembly on 28 March that 1.25 lakh students from class I to X have left the caste and religion columns blank in their admission forms. This move is said to have started with the Indian national and Kerala Blasters midfielder CK Vineeth. It is said that Vineeth wanted his son to choose his own religion if he wanted to choose any and thus he made him leave it blank.

In case you didn't know

CK Vineeth was the highest Indian goals-scorer in the I-League in the 2012-13 season. He was later signed by Bengaluru FC and he went on to win the I-League and Federations Cup twice each in his four years at the club. He later signed for Kerala Blasters in the second season of ISL and became the highest Indian goalscorer in the tournament despite making the first appearance as a substitute in the 8th game of the club.

The heart of the matter

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The CPI(M) MLA DK Murali sent a written query to the education minister asking the number of students who had left the caste and religion column blank while filling their admission forms. Although the number of children of classes I to X was very overwhelming at 1,23,630 it significantly reduced in elder age groups. According to the report, 278 and 239 students of standards XI and XII respectively had obtained admission to schools without mentioning their caste and religion. Moreover, zero students in the vocational higher secondary schools had left these columns blank. Already fan favourite Vineeth further came into the good books of his fans by writing his son's religion as "nil" while filling his birth certificate.

What's next?

This step taken by the students and their families has been widely applauded all over the country. An era when religious strifes are very common this has come out as a great example of open-mindedness and respecting one's opinion.

Author's take

CK Vineeth has set a great example in front of his fans and his fans have not disappointed him either by following him in the act. He should continue to do the good work both on and off the field.