Uttar Pradesh Education Minister Critiques Western Nursery Rhymes for Lack of Indian Values
Uttar Pradesh's Higher Education Minister, Yogendra Upadhyay, has stirred debate by criticizing popular nursery rhymes such as 'Johnny Johnny Yes Papa' for failing to represent Indian values and encouraging dishonesty among children. Speaking at an event for para teachers in Kanpur, he emphasized the importance of integrating traditional values into education. Upadhyay also announced a significant pay raise for education friends, highlighting their crucial role in the educational system, especially in rural areas. His remarks have sparked discussions about the influence of Western culture on Indian education.
| May 6, 2026, 16:35 IST
Controversial Remarks on Nursery Rhymes
On May 6, Uttar Pradesh's Higher Education Minister, Yogendra Upadhyay, sparked controversy by stating that popular English nursery rhymes like 'Johnny Johnny Yes Papa' do not reflect Indian values and encourage children to lie. While addressing a gathering of education friends (para teachers and contractual educators) at the Merchant Chamber Hall in Kanpur, he initiated a discussion on the differences between Western and Eastern values that influence children's lives. In his speech, the minister urged educators to develop a system that teaches both the curriculum and values. Referring to India's ancient guru-shishya tradition, he emphasized that teachers can instill values in students only if they honor this age-old practice and embrace the role of a guru. He stated that educators must transcend the limitations of textbook-based education and guide students through everyday life lessons.
Emphasis on Traditional Values
Furthermore, he highlighted the distinction between Western and Eastern value systems, arguing that nursery rhymes like 'Johnny Johnny Yes Papa' fail to impart essential values to the current generation and phrases like 'Eating sugar, no papa' encourage dishonesty among children. In contrast, the BJP leader praised Hindi poetry, which previous generations have learned since childhood, for containing profound life lessons. During the event, Upadhyay honored 12 education friends with symbolic checks for their increased remuneration. He announced that the government has raised their pay from ₹10,000 to ₹18,000, stating that this increase would enhance the living standards of education friends, particularly those working in rural and remote areas, while also stressing the need to integrate values with education.