📷 Image: Flickr (CC)
Education
LPST Rank Holders Mark 52‑Day Protest with Pookkalam on Thiruvonam Day in Thiruvananthapuram
✍️ Latestly
🗓 27 Aug 2026, 10:03 AM
👁 42
After a 52‑day sit‑in outside the Kerala Secretariat, lower‑primary school teacher rank‑holders staged a symbolic protest on Thiruvonam Day, arranging a traditional floral carpet (pookkalam) on the street.
Lower‑primary school teacher rank‑holders have been camped outside the Kerala Secretariat for 52 consecutive days, pressing for the resolution of long‑standing grievances. On Thiruvonam Day, the group turned the protest into a symbolic demonstration by laying a large pookkalam – a traditional floral rangoli – on the adjoining road, a gesture that blends cultural celebration with political messaging.
The floral arrangement, composed of locally sourced flowers in vibrant hues, was laid out in the shape of a traditional design, attracting onlookers and passersby. Organisers said the act underscores their patience and cultural identity while reiterating that their demands remain unmet.
While the specific demands were not detailed in the statement, the sustained presence of the teachers outside the Secretariat highlights the seriousness of the issue for the education sector in the state. Authorities observed the display without interrupting the peaceful setup, indicating a cautious approach to the unfolding protest.
The protest, now entering its second month, continues to draw attention from media and the public, with the pookkalam serving as a visual reminder of the teachers' commitment to their cause during the festive season.
The floral arrangement, composed of locally sourced flowers in vibrant hues, was laid out in the shape of a traditional design, attracting onlookers and passersby. Organisers said the act underscores their patience and cultural identity while reiterating that their demands remain unmet.
While the specific demands were not detailed in the statement, the sustained presence of the teachers outside the Secretariat highlights the seriousness of the issue for the education sector in the state. Authorities observed the display without interrupting the peaceful setup, indicating a cautious approach to the unfolding protest.
The protest, now entering its second month, continues to draw attention from media and the public, with the pookkalam serving as a visual reminder of the teachers' commitment to their cause during the festive season.