In a surprising turn of events, Emmanuel Mission School in Anta, located in Rajasthan’s Baran district, has suspended eight students for seven days for chanting the slogan “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” This incident has triggered protests and controversies surrounding the school’s decision.
On December 6, during a procession organised by members of the Rajput community and Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena in Anta Town to protest the murder of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, eight students from class 9—Sharad Soni, Karthik Meena, Saurabh Malav, Takshit Malav, Prem Gurjar, Yatharth Kumawat, Jatin Arvip, and Harshit Nagar—joined in and began chanting the nationalist slogan.
School’s Response
Emmanuel Mission School, in response to the students’ actions, suspended them for seven days, citing a violation of school rules. Letters notifying the suspension were sent to the parents on December 7. The school’s principal and manager, in a letter addressed to the parent of a student named Takshit Malav, mentioned that despite repeated explanations, the student continued the behaviour, leading to disciplinary action. The letter also requested the parent to guide the student in avoiding inappropriate actions in the future.
Protests and Intervention
Upon receiving the suspension letters, the families of the affected students, along with others, protested at the school. Despite their efforts, the school administration remained firm in its decision. Anta’s BJP MLA, Kanwar Lal Meena, intervened in the matter and engaged in discussions with the school management.
Emmanuel Mission School suspended 8 students for chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ when a procession by Rajput Karni Sena, protesting the killing of Sukhdev Gogamedi, passed through the school. @PoliceRajasthan plz take strict action. pic.twitter.com/2uCylufCMZ
— BALA (@erbmjha) December 8, 2023
Subsequently, Hindu groups joined the protest and are now demanding the cancellation of the school’s recognition. In a joint letter, the eight suspended students have appealed to the District Education Officer, alleging threats for chanting the slogan and seeking redress against the school’s decision.
The incident has sparked tensions between the school administration, protesting families, and various community groups. The involvement of political and community leaders indicates the escalating nature of the issue. The district education officer’s intervention is anticipated to shed light on the matter and potentially address the concerns raised by the suspended students and their families.
