New Delhi: Two schools in Gujarat issued apologised for celebrating Bakrid on their campuses, after activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protested, accusing them of “hurting sentiments of Hindus.”In one case, local authorities initiated an investigation, while in the other case, the school principal was suspended after a video showed students wearing skullcaps for an educational play, said news reports.A preschool in north Gujarat’s Mehsana district apologised in writing after massive protests from parents and VHP activists.The local police told the daily that the matter was resolved between the management and parents, however, the school’s director acknowledged that the celebrations had unintentionally “hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community” and apologised for celebrating the Muslim festival.Rashi Gautam, director of the preschool, Kids Kingdom: A Great Place to Grow, has said, “We had organised Bakrid celebrations in the school which has hurt sentiments of Hindu society. It was not our intention to hurt sentiments of any religion. We are also Hindus and believe in each Hindu gods and goddesses. Consider it our first and last mistake as a Hindu and forgive us. We apologise to all Hindu organisations, Hindu society, and to all those who are working for the betterment of Hindu religion.”Additionally, the owner of the school property has asked them to give an undertaking that they will not hold such events in future or else they will have to vacate the property.The director’s letter further said, “The school management team is giving an undertaking that it will not be repeated in future. I am also a Hindu like you and forgive me by considering it as my first and last mistake.”Deccan Herald reported that VHP activists held Saraswati pooja on the campus and sang Ram bhajans. They told the director that the school looked like a “dargah” and installed saffron flags near the entrance.Also read: The Sangh’s Dream of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ Is Not Even Shared by Most HindusIn another incident, the district education officer in Bhuj, Kutch district, started an investigation into Pearl School in Mundra, where students allegedly performed namaz (Muslim prayer) for an education skit on the occasion of Bakrid.Saffron organisations, parents and local leaders protested the move after a video of students wearing skull caps while staging a play on Eid-al-Adha emerged on social media, the Indian Express reported.Following this, the principal of the private school was suspended, the daily reported.“While some of them could be seen wearing skullcaps, others had their heads covered with handkerchiefs. The video showed them offering prayers, and exchanging greetings as one of them talked about the festival,” said the newspaper.When asked if the school had violated any specific rule in this regard, the District Primary Education Officertold IE, “The school has Muslims and Hindu students. But if the school asks Hindu students to put on skullcaps worn by Muslims, it’s a heen krutya (lowly act).”The officer, however, added his office had not received any complaints from students of the school or their parents till Friday evening in this regard.Eid-al-Adha, or Bakrid, is one of the biggest festivals in Islam. It was celebrated on June 29.
