In a fervent display of dissent, parents, students, and Hindu organisations staged protests outside a convent school in Mandya, condemning a teacher’s remarks disparaging Hindu epics. The uproar stems from allegations that a teacher at St Gerosa English HR Primary School, a Catholic institution, made derogatory comments about Hinduism during a class session on February 8th.
According to sources, Sister Prabha, the teacher in question, purportedly used derogatory language directed at Bhagwan Sri Ram and Prime Minister Modi while discussing the concept of “work is worship” with seventh-grade students. Furthermore, Sister Prabha allegedly referred to the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as “imaginary,” sparking outrage among the Hindu community.
The incident has reignited concerns about the treatment of Hindu beliefs and traditions in certain educational institutions, particularly those with Christian affiliations.
A convent school in #DakshinaKannada's #Mangaluru witnessed protests by students and #Hindutva groups over a complaint alleging "insult to Hindu gods" and a bid to convert students' religion.
The protests were organised after a parent complained to the local police, accusing a… pic.twitter.com/dlaFpI6QvZ
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) February 12, 2024
According to reports, Sister Prabha allegedly taught students that the Mahabharata and Ramayana were “imaginary,” sparking outrage among parents and Hindu outfits, including Bajrang Dal and VHP members. A parent filed a complaint at Mangaluru South police station, accusing the teacher of insulting Hindu gods, poisoning students’ minds against Hinduism, and conspiring to convert students of other religions to Christianity.
Protestors, including BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath, demanded the closure of the school during their demonstration. Kamath questioned the moral compass of those supporting the teacher, emphasising the need for justice for the students. He expressed concern over the teacher’s alleged comments about Lord Ram and criticised the school for discouraging Hindu traditions such as wearing tilak, flowers, anklets, and kumkum.
Kamath stated, “If someone insults our belief, we won’t keep quiet. If someone insults your belief, you won’t keep quiet.” He called for the removal of the teacher and raised questions about the school’s stance on the issue.
BJP MLA Y Bharat Shetty, representing Mangaluru North Assembly, urged Hindus to reconsider admitting their children to schools run by Christian missionaries. He emphasised that this incident is not the first time such anti-Hindu sentiments have been expressed in a Christian missionary school. Shetty stated, “They have discouraged Hindu students from wearing flowers and bangles or sporting tilak (bindi). Now, they have conspired to spread hatred about our gods.”
Following uproar and protests against Sister Prabha, a teacher at St. Gerosa English HR Primary School in Mangaluru, it has been revealed that she has been suspended, with some reports suggesting termination, over alleged anti-Hindu comments. The move comes after students and parents accused Sister Prabha of insulting Hindu Bhagwan and spreading anti-Hindu sentiments during a class session.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to ensure accountability and justice for any wrongdoing. The outcome of the investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for the school, its administration, and the broader community in Mangaluru.
