Dhanbad School Prayer Incident Sparks Community Tension
Tension gripped a school in Govindpur, Dhanbad on Thursday when a group of Muslim parents created significant disturbance on the school premises. The protest erupted following an incident where a teacher allegedly asked their children to fold their hands during a prayer session organized for Constitution Day celebrations.
The Constitution Day Controversy Unfolds
The school had organized a formal program to mark Constitution Day on Wednesday, which included a short prayer session. During this event, observers noted that while some students naturally stood with folded hands, others maintained a normal posture consistent with their religious practices.
The situation escalated when a female teacher, who was assigned to document the event through photographs for the education department, reportedly asked all children to fold their hands. Her intention, as sources revealed, was to make the photograph appear "uniform and look good" for official records.
Immediate Intervention and Escalation
The school's headmaster quickly intervened in the situation, correctly pointing out that students belonging to the Muslim community should not be compelled to fold their hands as this gesture conflicts with Islamic prayer practices. This timely intervention initially prevented immediate conflict, but the matter took a serious turn the following day.
On Thursday, angry parents gathered at the school to protest the teacher's actions, creating a ruckus on the premises. The parents expressed their outrage over what they perceived as religious insensitivity and the attempted enforcement of practices contrary to their faith.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges educational institutions face in balancing school activities with religious diversity and sensitivity, particularly during national celebrations that involve cultural or religious elements.
