There has been a controversy over raising religious slogans like “Allah Hu Akbar” in a government school in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh. On December 1, a special program was organized to celebrate Geeta Jayanti at the Government Higher Secondary School, Erie. After the program was over, students alleged that acting principal Pratiksha Mangadhe forced all the students to chant “Allah Hu Akbar” after the Gita recitation. According to the students, they were made to chant this slogan about 16 times and were warned of scolding if they did not do so.
When the children returned home and told their parents about the incident, the matter escalated rapidly. The next day, members of some Hindu organizations reached the school with their parents and started protesting against the principal. Protesters alleged that raising slogans of a particular religion in a government school is a violation of the religious freedom of students. He demanded immediate suspension of the principal.
When the situation was worsening, the local police reached the spot and tried to pacify the crowd. Meanwhile, District Education Officer (DEO) S.S. Kumar also reached school. Even after the arrival of the DEO, the angry protesters continued their protest, reiterating their demand for action against the school administration. After inquiring about the incident, DEO Kumar spoke to acting principal Pratiksha Mangadh. It was learned that the principal has accepted his mistake and said that his intention was not to hurt the sentiments of any community, but to give a message of religious harmony. He also apologized to the parents.
The principal was removed from the school
Seeing the matter not being resolved, the DEO issued an order to immediately remove the principal from the school and attach him to the District Education Office. However, the protesters were not completely satisfied with this and started demanding his suspension. Seeing the increasing pressure, the DEO announced the formation of a three-member investigation committee on the spot. He assured that appropriate administrative action will be taken after the committee’s report.
District Education Officer gave information
The District Education Officer said that following the complaint, he himself visited the school and a detailed investigation is underway. The principal has been removed and will not be involved in any academic work until the investigation is completed. Tension has subsided in the Erie area after the incident, but parents and locals are still keeping a close eye on the investigation report and further action. The administration says that the welfare of the students and maintaining a good school environment is most important.
