3 min learnLucknowMight 10, 2026 07:00 AM IST
Yogendra Upadhyay, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Increased Training and Science and Know-how, sparked an issue over his assertion that two well-liked English nursery rhymes – ‘Johnny Johnny Sure Papa’ and ‘Rain Rain Go Away’ – sow seeds of dishonesty within the minds of kids and are towards Indian values and tradition.
Upadhyay first spoke in regards to the rhymes at an occasion in Agra earlier this week whereas addressing a gathering of Shiksha Mitras (advert hoc lecturers in authorities major colleges).
He referred to them on Saturday as effectively whereas talking at an occasion, addressing college students and lecturers of a distinguished personal faculty in Lucknow.
When contacted, Upadhyay defined the rationale behind his criticism of the message within the two rhymes.
He stated, “What does this rhyme educate (us) — Johnny Johnny Sure Papa, Consuming Sugar No Papa, Telling Lies No Papa, Open Your Mouth Ha Ha Ha. These strains educate kids to inform lies. Nobody ever considered how this rhyme imparts incorrect classes to younger kids.”
The minister added, “Our tradition is ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’ (for the welfare of all, for the happiness of all). However this rhyme ‘Rain Rain Go Away, Come Once more One other Day, Little Johnny Needs To Play, Rain Rain Go Away’ teaches kids ‘Swantah Sukhay (self happiness)’. This isn’t our tradition.”
He additional stated, “Training teaches us tradition. I spoke about these rhymes not too long ago at an occasion in Agra… What we’re educating by means of these rhymes to kids of a young age… I should not have any objection to the language… however we should always see that we don’t educate something, even accidentally, that cultivates the incorrect tradition amongst kids. I stated the identical factor at a college in Lucknow as effectively at the moment. I’ll preserve talking about it…”
Story continues under this advert
He added, “I used to be informed at the moment that Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Occasion chief) has commented on my assertion. Akhilesh Yadav can not assume to that extent.”
Requested why he didn’t elevate the matter with the federal government, he solely replied, “I’ll preserve talking about this deliberately, in every single place…
“I don’t trouble being criticised for elevating objections to sure strains in these rhymes.”
Upadhyay gained the UP Meeting elections in 2012, 2017 and 2022 and is presently an MLA from the Agra South seat.
Keep up to date with the newest – Click on right here to observe us on Instagram
© The Indian Specific Pvt Ltd
