The principal of Vandana Convent School in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, has been booked for halting sixth-grade students from chanting Sanskrit shlokas during the morning assembly.
According to the police, an FIR was filed against Catherine Vattoly based on a complaint by Saksham Dubey, an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist. He alleged that when three students attempted to recite a Sanskrit shloka ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina’, “Catherine became upset and snatched the microphone from them.” The principal later said that, no one will recite these mantras and speak Hindi. She emphasised on speaking english only.
#WATCH | #Guna: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Workers Stage Protest At Vandana Convent School After Principal Halts Sixth-Grade Student From Chanting Sanskrit Verses During Morning Assembly#MadhyaPradesh #MPNews #Students #ABVP pic.twitter.com/XVqRfDZq0R
— Free Press Madhya Pradesh (@FreePressMP) July 23, 2024
Workers from ABVP protested at Vandana Convent School. The principal reportedly intervened, stating that only English would be permitted for speeches on that particular day. The protestors clashed with police and chanted slogans, demanding an FIR against the principal, the inclusion of the Sanskrit shlokas in daily prayers, and the dismissal of the principal.
Responding to the situation, Principal Sister Catherine apologised, explaining that English was required for speeches that day but emphasising her respect for all religions.
District Education Officer Chandra Shekhar Sisodia issued a notice to the school principal. The protest lasted approximately two hours until the District Education Officer arrived. The protest was eventually resolved with assurances from the education authorities.
