'Adivasis are not Hindus': Tribal neta in Chhattisgarh opposes Sanskrit prayers in schools

RAIPUR: "Adivasis are not Hindus, and they cannot be forced into Hindu religious traditions through schools," tribal politician and former MLA Manish Kunjam said Thursday, launching a sharp attack on Chhattisgarh govt's decision to introduce Sanskrit prayers and mantras in school assemblies.The move was part of an RSS-driven attempt to impose Hindu religious practices on tribal children, Kunjam alleged, demanding immediate withdrawal of the directive that requires students to recite prayers and hymns during the school hours, ranging from Saraswati Vandana and Guru Mantra to Bhojan Mantra, Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Path.Calling the move an attack on tribal identity, Kunjam argued that Adivasis had distinct religious and cultural traditions that could not be subsumed within Hindu practices.State govt imposing agenda of RSS on tribal kids: KunjamCensus records, anthropological studies and our own traditions make it clear that Adivasis are not Hindus. We have our own customs, beliefs and way of life. Imposing Hindu religious practices through govt schools is unacceptable,” he said.Kunjam alleged that the state govt was implementing the RSS’s ideological agenda and attempting to shape the beliefs of children under the guise of valuebased education. He also questioned the practical impact of the new schedule, claiming that students were now being made to participate in up to 10 separate prayer-related activities from morning assembly until dispersal, reducing valuable classroom teaching time.

While govt has described the initiative as an effort to promote discipline, moral values and cultural awareness among students, the tribal community has warned of a statewide agitation if the order is not withdrawn.Congress has also condemned the move, questioning why prayers associated with a particular faith were made mandatory in institutions attended by students from diverse religious backgrounds.