Kanpur, May 8: Uttar Pradesh’s Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay has sparked discussions with his recent comments regarding popular English rhymes. During a ceremony on May 5 in Kanpur, he stated that the rhyme “Johnny Johnny Yes Papa” does not impart Indian values and instead teaches children to lie.
In his address at a ceremony honoring education volunteers, Upadhyay emphasized that the values needed by today’s generation cannot be derived from such Western poems. He argued that traditional Hindi poetry, which previous generations grew up reading, contains deeper life values.
He provided an example of another poem, stating that Indian values do not promote self-interest but rather focus on the welfare of the community. Upadhyay criticized English rhymes like “Rain Rain Go Away,” claiming they ignore the needs of others for personal enjoyment, a lesson not taught by Hindi poetry.
In response to his remarks, a professor of English at Delhi University commented that viewing every poem through a moral lens is a personal interpretation of the minister. She noted that not all children’s poems are meant to teach values; some are simply for fun, which is essential for overall child development.
The professor also pointed out that the rhyme serves as a common conversation between parents and children, teaching accountability and the importance of honesty. She suggested that ministers should also engage with such rhymes to understand their broader implications.
Furthermore, the popular English rhyme “Johnny Johnny Yes Papa” is part of the CBSE nursery and pre-school syllabus, although it is not included in the NCERT curriculum.
During the event, Upadhyay announced an increase in the honorarium for education volunteers from ₹10,000 to ₹18,000, aiming to improve the living standards of those working in rural and remote areas. He reiterated that education should encompass not just the curriculum but also values and ethics.