A controversy has erupted in Dewari village, located about 12 kilometres from Burhanpur district headquarters, after parents alleged that a government school teacher made Hindu students perform namaz under the guise of teaching yoga asanas. The matter came to light during the Deepawali holidays, when some children reportedly demonstrated prayer-like actions at home, prompting parents to question them.
According to reports, several parents gathered at the Government Primary School in Dewari to express their anger over the incident. They alleged that their children were being encouraged to perform Islamic prayer rituals instead of yoga exercises during class.
District Education Officer (DEO) Santosh Singh Solanki reached the school to take stock of the situation and recorded statements from students and staff. Officials from the Hindu Jagran Manch also visited the school and demanded a thorough investigation.
The accused teacher, Jaboor Ahmad Tadvi, has denied all allegations, calling them “completely baseless.” He stated, “I have been performing my duties honestly. The children were being taught yoga as part of their physical education activities, not namaz.”
Authorities have assured parents that a fair inquiry will be conducted. “We have taken statements from all sides. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation,” DEO Solanki said. The incident has sparked discussions in the local community about religious sensitivity and the importance of maintaining neutrality in schools.
