After Hijab ban row in Karnataka, Clarence high school in Bengaluru district has taken an undertaking from parents that they would not object to their children carrying the holy book Bible to school premises, India Today reported.
Certain right-wing groups have called the directives, a violation of the Karnataka Education Act.
Mohan Gowda, Hindu Janajagruti Samithi State Spokesperson claimed that the school is forcing non-Christian students to read the Bible. The outfit has claimed that even non-Christian students, studying in the school are forcefully made to learn teachings in the Bible.
The school, however, defended its stance and stated that it provides a Bible-based education, according to the news outlet.
There is a parents’ declaration in the admission application form for Grade 11 that reads, “You affirm that your child will attend all classes including Morning Assembly Scripture Class and Clubs for his/her own moral and spiritual welfare and will not object to carry the Bible and Hymn Book during his/her stay at Clarence High School.”
HJS has demanded the education department to act against the school for ‘introducing Bible’.
Karnataka government had recently announced plans to introduce Bhagavad Gita in schools, with chief minister Basavaraj Bommai saying that a decision on adding Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum will be taken after discussion.
This move comes after the Gujarat government on March 17 had decided to include Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in the school syllabus for classes 6-12, to “cultivate a sense of pride and connection to traditions”.
Indian culture and epistemology should be included in the school curriculum in a way that is conducive to the holistic development of the students, according to its circular.
