Sun Jul 13 12:47:11 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar publicly defended the practice of “guru puja,” specifically the offering of flowers at a teacher’s feet, as a legitimate and integral part of Indian culture.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Governor Defends ‘Guru Puja’ as Core to Indian Culture**
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has voiced strong support for the practice of ‘guru puja,’ a ritual involving the offering of flowers at the feet of teachers. Speaking on Sunday, the Governor emphasized that the practice is deeply rooted in Indian culture.
“Offering flowers at the feet of teachers is an integral part of our culture,” said Governor Arlekar. His statement comes amid ongoing discussions and, in some cases, criticism surrounding the practice. By publicly endorsing ‘guru puja,’ the Governor has positioned himself as a defender of traditional Indian customs. The Governor’s remarks are likely to fuel further debate on the cultural significance and appropriateness of the practice within the modern educational context.
First Piper 