The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has reportedly written to the Bengaluru commissioner to initiate an inquiry against the Clarence school. According to the information shared on social media by journalists the school has been accused of “violating Article 25” as they allegedly made Bible studies compulsory for all students.
The Commission has asked for a report to be filed within seven days. The complaint was filed by Hindu Janajagruti Samithi, a right wing organisation active in the state.
#BreakingNews @NCPCR_ writes 2 #Bengaluru commissioner to initiate inquiry against #Clarence school 4 violating article 25 by making #Bible study compulsory even 4 non #Christian students. Orders to submit a report within 7 days. #Hindujanajagruti had filed the complaint pic.twitter.com/DWvjqYh0hx
— Imran Khan (@KeypadGuerilla) April 25, 2022
School principal Jerry George Mathew told the media that the school was “aware that some people are upset about one of the policies of our school.We’re a peace-loving and law-abiding school. We’ve consulted our advocates on this matter and we’ll follow their advice. We won’t break the law of the land.”
The well known Clarence High School in Bengaluru has reportedly “taken an undertaking from parents that they would not object to their wards carrying the holy book Bible to school premises.” According to India Today, this directive was noticed by right-wing groups who alleged that it was “a violation of the Karnataka Education Act.”
The allegations were led by Hindu Janajagruti Samithi state Spokesperson Mohan Gowda who also claimed that the school was “forcing non-Christian students to read the Bible.” He told the media that non-Christian students of the school were “forcefully made to learn teachings in the Bible” and were being groomed for conversion. However, the school told the media that “it provides a Bible-based education” and that its the admission application form for Grade 11, there is a parents’ declaration that, as quoted by India Today says, “You affirm that your child will attend all classes including Morning Assembly Scripture Class and Clubs for his/her own moral and spiritual welfare and will not object to carry the Bible and Hymn Book during his/her stay at Clarence High School.”
According to the news report, the Karnataka government had recently announced plans to “introduce Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in schools.” The decision on adding Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum was to be “taken after discussion”. Last month the Gujarat government also decided to include Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in the school syllabus for classes 6-12. This was reportedly to “cultivate a sense of pride and connection to traditions.” According to its circular, Indian culture and epistemology should be included in the school curriculum in a way that is conducive to the holistic development of the students.
The right-wing group now targeting a Chritian School has itself been in the limelight for hate speech. O, April 18, 2022, Bengaluru’s Magistrate court directed the Sanjaynagar police to investigate the allegations of hate speech against Hindu Janagaruthi Samiti Coordinator Chandru Moger. State activists who approached the court said the police were unable to carry out their duties due to political pressure.
On April 6, activists Khizer-e-Alam, Waseem Raja, Zia Nomani among others attempted to register an official FIR against Moger. The hate-monger had accused Muslims of monopolising the fruit vending business and of spitting on products as a form of “spitting Jihad”. Moger had also called for an economic boycott against Muslim fruit vendors.
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