Clarence High School in Karnataka's Bengaluru has taken an undertaking from parents that they would not object to their wards carrying the holy book Bible to school premises. The new directive has drawn reactions from certain right-wing groups that called it a violation of the Karnataka Education Act.
Hindu Janajagruti Samithi State Spokesperson Mohan Gowda claimed that the school is forcing non-Christian students to read the Bible.
The group claimed there are also non-Christian students who are studying in the school and are forcefully made to learn teachings in the Bible. However, the school defended its stance and stated that it provides a Bible-based education.
In the admission application form for Grade 11, there is a parents' declaration 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.''
Recently, the state government had announced plans to introduce Bhagavad Gita in schools, with the chief minister saying that a decision on adding Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum will be taken after discussion.
Earlier, 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". According to its circular, Indian culture and epistemology should be included in the school curriculum in a way that is conducive to the holistic development of the students.
In this case, Hindu Janajagruti Samithi has urged the education department to act against the school for 'introducing Bible'.
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