A controversy has erupted in Rajasthan after a video showing Hindu students allegedly being made to recite the Islamic Kalma during a morning prayer session at Bakshi Springdales School in Borkheda, Kota, surfaced on social media. The footage has triggered a wave of outrage across the region, with Hindu organisations accusing the school management of religious imposition and vowing to launch massive protests unless strict action is taken.
The viral video shows students at the school’s morning assembly reciting the Kalma the Islamic declaration of faith sparking outrage among parents and Hindu groups. The footage, widely circulated on social media platforms, shows a predominantly Hindu student group participating in what has now become a national controversy.
According to locals and activists, more than 95 per cent of the students in the school are Hindu, raising serious concerns about religious indoctrination and violation of cultural sensitivities. “This is not inclusion. This is coercion,” said a local VHP member. “You cannot force Hindu children to recite a verse that is a declaration of Islamic faith. It crosses all constitutional and moral lines.”
Facing mounting backlash, the school authorities have claimed that the video is “several years old” and was recorded during an annual function as part of their decades-old tradition of Sarva Dharma Prarthana—a multi-faith prayer ceremony.
The school director, a retired naval officer, defended the institution, saying, “We have been following Sarva Dharma Prarthana for the past 30 years. Education has no religion. We recite prayers from all religions to promote unity and mutual respect.” He further stated that both he and his father served in the armed forces and had sacrificed for the nation. “How can we disrespect any religion or promote one over the other? This is being politicised,” he added.
The district education department has launched an investigation. An inquiry team, led by Chief Block Education Officer of Kota, visited the school and reviewed the prayer recordings and also spoke with students and staff.
District Education Officer Krishna Kumar Sharma said, “We received the video showing a specific religious prayer being recited at a school. We have formed an inquiry committee and a detailed report is awaited. Appropriate action will be taken as per departmental norms. Since the school is CBSE-affiliated, the report will also be forwarded to the Board.”
Despite the school’s clarification and the ongoing probe, Hindu organisations remain unconvinced. Several groups, including Bajrang Dal and VHP, have alleged that the video is proof of a growing trend of religious imposition in educational spaces and are demanding criminal proceedings against the management.
One local outfit stated, “This is not secularism. This is indoctrination under the garb of interfaith unity. If swift action is not taken, we will launch a statewide protest. Hindu sentiments have been hurt and this cannot be allowed to pass unchallenged.”
