Rapper Vedan’s song added to Calicut University syllabus

Thiruvananthapuram: A song by Malayalam rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, has been included in the University of Calicut's undergraduate syllabus for comparative literature, marking a significant recognition for regional hip-hop in academic circles.

Vedan’s track “Bhoomi njan vaazhunna idam” (The Earth Where I Live) is now part of the third semester Malayalam degree course, selected for comparative analysis alongside international pop icon Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us.” The module examines the lyrical depth and performance style of both songs, with video links provided to support the analysis.

The inclusion was approved during a Board of Studies meeting held on May 31 and will be introduced in the ongoing academic year. According to M S Ajith, Chairman of the Board of Studies at Calicut University, the segment is part of an optional minor paper in comparative studies. It is open not just to Malayalam students but to students from any discipline opting for the paper.

The module is designed to explore parallels between classical and contemporary works, bridging Malayalam literature with global artistic expressions. Vedan, known for his socially conscious lyrics and dynamic stage presence, enjoys popularity among Kerala’s youth.

Recently, however, the rapper made headlines for an unrelated controversy, having been arrested last month along with his friends for the possession and use of cannabis. He was later granted bail by a court.

The academic spotlight on his music, despite the controversy, signals a broader shift towards including alternative voices and modern art forms in Kerala’s university curriculum.

With PTI inputs