Hindu students made to recite Islamic verse in Kota school, video viral

A controversy erupted in Rajasthan after a video surfaced on social media showing Hindu students being made to recite Islamic verses (Kalma) during a morning prayer session.

The incident, which occurred at Bakhshi Springdales School in Kota, has sparked outrage among Hindu outfits, who have warned of massive protests if action was not taken against the management.

At the centre of the row is a video showing students reciting the Kalma - an Islamic declaration of faith - during the school assembly. The school authorities, however, said the footage was several years old and was recorded during an annual function.

SCHOOL SAYS OLD FOOTAGE

Amid the uproar, the school director said that for the past 30 years, the institution has followed a "Sarva Dharma Prarthana" tradition, where prayers of all faiths are recited.

The school director said he himself was a retired naval officer and his father also served in the Army and fought three wars. "Education has no religion. We do Sarva Dharma Prarthana while respecting all religions," he said.

An investigation has also been launched by the district education department. An inquiry team, led by the chief block education officer of Kota, visited the school and spoke with students.

HINDU OUTFITS WARN OF PROTESTS

However, it has done little to soothe matters. Several Hindu organisations alleged that religious views were being imposed on students and demanded immediate action. The outfits have also warned of larger protests.

District Education Officer Krishna Kumar Sharma said a thorough probe was being conducted, and appropriate action would be taken under departmental guidelines.

"Yesterday, we received a video that appeared to show a specific religious prayer being recited at a school. Upon receiving the video, we immediately formed an inquiry committee. Once we receive the report, appropriate action will be taken. As it is a CBSE-affiliated school, the report will also be forwarded to the board," Sharma said.

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