A disturbing pattern is emerging across India, challenging the very foundations of traditional education and religious freedom. Reports are surfacing from various regions detailing how institutions, often operating under the guise of secular or even Hindu-friendly names, are allegedly forcing Hindu students to conform to Islamic practices. This includes instances where children are made to perform Namaz, recite the Kalma, or wear Islamic attire like burqas, hijabs, and skullcaps. These coercive tactics, allegedly imposed in what should be neutral learning environments, raise grave concerns about the erosion of Hindu cultural identity, the blatant disregard for parental religious beliefs, and the insidious imposition of one faith over another within the educational system. This alarming trend demands immediate attention to safeguard the religious rights and cultural heritage of Hindu students.
Kota school controversy: Hindu students allegedly forced to recite Islamic verses, protests erupt
A significant controversy has erupted in Kota, Rajasthan, following the viral circulation of a video on social media. The footage purportedly shows Hindu students being compelled to recite Islamic verses (Kalma) during a morning prayer session at Bakhshi Springdales School. This alleged imposition of Islamic practices on young Hindu children within a school setting immediately triggered widespread protests from outraged parents and various Hindu organisations. They expressed strong objections and warned of massive demonstrations if decisive action isn’t taken against the school management. In response, the school administration attempted to downplay the incident, claiming the video was from an annual function held several years ago and was being misrepresented. However, the visuals have fueled serious concerns about religious coercion in educational institutions.
Krishnaveni School in Hyderabad accused of covertly teaching Islamic doctrines
In a disturbing allegation from Hyderabad, the Krishnaveni School in Asif Nagar has been accused of covertly transitioning into a madrasa while deliberately retaining a Hindu name to mislead and deceive parents. Reports suggest that the school’s management and teachers were actively promoting Islamic teachings within the institution. A video accompanying the claim circulated widely, adding weight to the accusations that a supposedly mainstream school was engaged in the propagation of a specific religious ideology, raising concerns about transparency and the true intent behind its educational offerings.
Hindu girl forced to wear hijab and burqa for Eid event in Haryana school
A concerning incident unfolded at a Government Senior Secondary School in Badauli village, Sonipat, Haryana. During a school event, a group of students organised a play ostensibly aimed at promoting amity and religious harmony. However, the play featured a Hindu girl being dressed in a hijab and burqa to wish Eid. This act of compelling a Hindu student to wear Islamic religious attire for a public performance immediately sparked strong opposition from parents and Hindu groups. As a direct result of the backlash, the school principal issued an apology and gave assurances that such programmes, which impose religious symbols on students, would never be organised again in the school.
Teachers accused of forcing student to read Quran and convert to Islam
A shocking case of alleged religious coercion has come to light in New Delhi. Manoj Kumar filed an FIR against three teachers – Rizwan, Absar, and Irfan – from Jai Mata Di Coaching Centre. Kumar accused them of pressuring his 13-year-old son to read the Quran and recite the Kalma. Disturbingly, the teachers allegedly criticised Hindu beliefs while actively promoting Islam as a “powerful religion.” Manoj Kumar further reported receiving threats from Rizwan when he attempted to confront him regarding these grave allegations, highlighting the intimidation tactics reportedly employed by the accused.
Vadodara Anganwadi accused of forcing Namaz and Eid celebrations on Hindu children
Concerns have been raised in Vadodara, Gujarat, where allegations surfaced that religious practices were being imposed on Hindu children at the Karnali Anganwadi. Reports indicated that young Hindu children attending the anganwadi were reportedly being made to perform Namaz and celebrate Eid by wearing scarves. This imposition of Islamic rituals within a government-run early childhood education centre sparked outrage. Local MLA Shailesh Mehta escalated the issue by raising concerns directly with the state’s Education Minister, strongly asserting that Anganwadis are fundamental educational institutions and must remain free from any religious imposition.
DPS Gurugram draws flak over mandating dargah E-visit for young students
Delhi Public School (DPS) in Gurugram faced significant backlash after it announced a mandatory “E-visit” to a dargah for its Grade 1 and 2 students. The school’s stated intention was to help children “understand the significance of Eid.” This directive, however, sparked immediate concern among parents and Hindu groups, who viewed it as an inappropriate imposition of religious activity in a secular educational environment, particularly for very young children. The incident highlights the growing vigilance of Hindu communities against what they perceive as attempts to introduce specific religious practices into mainstream schooling.
Gyanthsali Public School mandates hijab and skull cap for students on Eid, later apologises
In Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Gyanthsali Public School stirred controversy by mandating that its students wear hijabs and Islamic skull caps within the school premises on Eid. This directive immediately drew strong opposition from parents and community members, who saw it as a blatant imposition of religious attire on all students, irrespective of their faith. Facing significant backlash, the school principal promptly apologised for the decision and withdrew the mandate, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding religious symbols in educational settings.
Gujarat government investigates Kelorex School over alleged forced Namaz
The Gujarat Government has ordered a full investigation into Kelorex School in Ghatlodia, Ahmedabad, following serious allegations that students were being compelled to “perform” Namaz. The school reportedly claimed these actions were part of an effort to teach “practices of all religions.” However, parents and Hindu organisations quickly raised concerns, viewing it as a clear instance of religious imposition rather than inclusive education. The government’s swift intervention reflects the gravity of compelling students to participate in specific religious rituals.
Hindu students allegedly forced to sing Islamic song, wear hijab at Guna school
A deeply troubling incident occurred at Prince Global Private School in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, where Hindu students were allegedly forced to wear hijabs and sing Islamic songs during an Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebration. This incident sparked outrage among parents and Hindu groups, who condemned the alleged coercion and the imposition of Islamic religious practices and attire on Hindu children in a private school setting. The claims underscore a worrying pattern of attempts to alter the religious and cultural identity of young students.
Coaching centre owner arrested for allegedly luring Hindu girls to convert to Islam
In a serious case of alleged forced conversion, police in Sangam Vihar, New Delhi, arrested Musir, the owner of a local coaching centre. He is accused of luring Hindu girls to accept Islam. The investigation began after the parents of one Hindu girl, residing in Ghaziabad’s Khora area, complained to the police that their daughter had exhibited unusual behaviour for several months, including reportedly offering Namaz and performing ablution. This incident highlights concerns about religious proselytisation allegedly occurring within educational or tutoring environments, targeting vulnerable students.
Principal suspended over forcing boys to wear skullcaps in Kutch school
The principal of the private Pearl School in Kutch, Gujarat, was suspended after a video surfaced showing students, including Hindu boys, wearing skullcaps during a play staged for Eid. The footage, which quickly went viral, sparked outrage and led to the principal’s suspension. This incident underscores the increasing sensitivity surrounding the imposition of religious attire and practices on students, particularly in institutions that are meant to be secular or cater to diverse communities.
Muslim teacher accused of skipping Hindu kings, focusing on Mughals in Gujarat school
A disturbing allegation emerged from a Jetpur school in Rajkot, Gujarat, where a Muslim teacher was accused of selectively teaching history. Parents claimed the teacher skipped lessons on Hindu kings while disproportionately focusing on Mughal rulers and allegedly spreading misinformation about revered Hindu figures like Maharana Pratap. Further concern arose when parents of a first-grade child reported that their child began using terms like “Ammi-Abbu” due to the alleged influence from the school environment. Authorities have initiated a probe into the matter, highlighting fears about biased historical narratives and potential religious indoctrination within the curriculum.
Dehradun school accused of forcing students to offer Namaz, celebrate Eid
A Dehradun school faced severe backlash from Hindu organisations, leading to the deletion of an Eid celebration video from its social media platforms. Parents have also lodged complaints with the education department, alleging that the school forced their children to participate in Eid celebrations and offer Namaz. This incident highlights a recurring concern where schools, under the guise of promoting harmony, are accused of compelling students of all faiths to engage in specific Islamic religious practices, drawing strong protests from parents who see it as an infringement on their children’s religious freedom.
Hathras school forces students to perform Namaz and wear burqas; principal suspended
In a particularly alarming incident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, teachers at BLS International School were accused of forcing students to perform Namaz and wear burqas. Parents, led by Hindu leader Deepak Sharma, organised strong protests outside the school, alleging that the principal and teachers coerced students into these religious practices. Following the outcry, the principal, Sonia McPherson, and two teachers were suspended, and an official inquiry was ordered by the Hathras authorities. This case represents a severe alleged violation of religious freedom and educational neutrality.
Teacher jailed for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by breaking sacred thread
A private school teacher, Saif Ali, was jailed in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. He is accused of breaking an 11-year-old Hindu student’s sacred thread (kalava) and making inappropriate remarks. The incident came to light after the student’s brother, Aniket Ruhela, filed a police complaint. Hindu organisations, including Bajrang Dal and ABVP, staged large protests demanding the teacher’s arrest. Police subsequently charged Saif Ali under IPC Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), and he was sent to jail. ABVP has since launched a campaign to prevent such teachers from being employed in private schools, emphasising the need to protect Hindu students from religious insensitivity.
FIR filed against principal for allegedly hurting sentiments over ‘Eid attire’ video request
An FIR was filed against the principal of Jhunsi’s Nyaya Nagar Public School in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The principal was accused of asking students to post 20-second videos wearing “Eid attire” and wishing “Happy Eid” as part of a school activity. While presented as a celebratory gesture, the directive to specifically wear “Eid attire” for a school assignment sparked outrage among parents and Hindu groups, who viewed it as an attempt to impose religious dress codes in an educational setting.
Missionary school prohibits Hindu symbols, organises Kalma and Namaz for Eid
In a stark display of alleged double standards, a missionary school in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, faced protests for prohibiting Hindu symbols like Kalava (sacred thread) and Tilak on campus, while simultaneously organising Kalma and Namaz to celebrate Eid. This selective application of rules, where Hindu religious expressions were curtailed but Islamic practices were actively promoted, drew strong condemnation from local Hindu groups. The incident highlights concerns about religious discrimination and the imposition of specific religious norms in educational institutions.
Mewat School forced students to perform Namaz and follow Islam; teachers suspended
A serious complaint was filed against Mewat Model School in Madhai village, Haryana, by Pushpa Bhardwaj, the mother of a Class 9 student and aunt of a Class 8 student. She informed authorities that the school was allegedly forcing students to offer Namaz and follow Islamic practices. Following the complaint, the Mewat district administration took swift action, suspending two teachers and transferring the hostel warden, indicating the gravity of the allegations of religious coercion within the school environment.
The recurring incidents detailed above paint a deeply concerning picture of alleged systematic imposition of Islamic practices and blatant religious bias within various educational and coaching institutions across Bharat. From forcing Hindu students to recite Islamic verses and wear religious attire like hijabs and skullcaps, to compelling participation in Namaz and even attempting conversions, these reports suggest a troubling erosion of the secular fabric of Bharatiya education.
The alleged attempts to manipulate curricula, desecrate Hindu religious symbols, and even restrict access to temples highlight a broader challenge to religious freedom and cultural identity, particularly for Hindu students. While some incidents have led to apologies or administrative action, the sheer number and geographical spread of these cases, coupled with instances of intimidation and alleged political inaction, underscore a critical need for robust oversight and decisive measures. These incidents demand urgent attention to ensure that educational spaces remain neutral, respectful of all faiths, and free from any form of religious coercion or proselytisation.
