‘Johnny Johnny Yes Papa’ Teaches Lying: UP Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya Sparks Debate on Nursery Rhymes (Watch Video)

Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya has sparked a regional debate after publicly criticising popular English nursery rhymes for failing to align with Indian cultural values. Speaking at an event in Kanpur on Wednesday, May 6, Upadhyaya argued that verses such as "Johnny Johnny Yes Papa" may inadvertently encourage dishonesty in young children. The Minister's remarks were made during a gathering of Shiksha Mitras (community teachers), where he called for a shift toward an education system more deeply rooted in traditional moral guidance.

Yogendra Upadhyaya's Concerns Over Moral Foundations

During his address at the Merchant Chamber Hall, Upadhyaya specifically highlighted the lyrics of Western-influenced rhymes as a point of concern. Referring to the common refrain "Eating sugar? No papa", the Minister suggested that such phrases teach children to lie to their parents from an early age. ‘DM Uncle, Please Fix My Road’: Uttar Pradesh Administration Acts Swiftly After Class 1 Student’s Social Media Plea Goes Viral.

UP Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya Says ‘Johnny Johnny Yes Papa’ Teaches Lying

This is Yogendra Upadhyay, Education Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

He summoned the media to speak on a very important issue of national emergency.

Do you know what it was?

The Poem -

Rain Rain go away

Come again another day

Little Johny wants to play

Rain Rain go away

He… pic.twitter.com/CxLf9iaIgD

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) May 9, 2026

Upadhyaya stated that these rhymes fail to impart necessary moral values and instead shape behaviour in undesirable ways. He argued that early childhood education should focus on value-based learning that reflects Indian traditions rather than adopting Western models that he believes lack cultural grounding.

Invoking the Guru-Shishya Tradition

The Minister urged educators to look toward the ancient Guru-Shishya tradition to instil discipline in the classroom. He emphasised that teachers must move beyond basic textbook instruction to take on the role of a "guru", providing moral guidance that shapes a student’s character. Comparing English rhymes to traditional Hindi poetry, Upadhyaya noted that older generations were raised on verses that carried significant life lessons. He suggested that returning to such content would be more relevant for the present generation, helping children find the "right path" through everyday lessons in morality.

Support for Shiksha Mitras

The event also served as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of Shiksha Mitras within the state's education framework. Upadhyaya described these teachers as a "vital link" in the system, particularly in rural and remote areas. As part of the ceremony, the Minister honored 12 Shiksha Mitras and highlighted the government's recent decision to increase their financial support. Key updates included:

• Honorarium Increase: Monthly pay has been raised from INR 10,000 to INR 18,000.
• Standard of Living: The Minister stated this move is intended to improve the quality of life for educators working in underserved regions.
• Recognition: Demo cheques were presented to representative teachers to mark the implementation of the new honorarium scale. Saharanpur Horror: Viral Video Shows Child Beaten in Uttar Pradesh Madrasa, 2 Maulanas Arrested.

The Evolving Educational Debate

Upadhyaya’s comments have triggered a wider discussion regarding the influence of the Western curriculum in Indian schools. While the Minister advocates for a system centered on cultural heritage, his critique of long-standing nursery rhymes has prompted varied reactions from educators and parents alike, highlighting the ongoing tension between globalized education and local traditional values.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 09, 2026 07:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).