Shimla: A private English-medium school in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has withdrawn its decision to hold pre-Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after facing objections and threats of protests from a local right-wing group, Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti.
The school administration stated that the event was intended as a cultural learning experience, similar to celebrations of Holi, Diwali, and Christmas observed in the institution.
The school had planned to organize Eid celebrations for students from nursery to Class 2 on March 28, the last Friday before Eid-ul-Fitr. However, after the announcement, members of the right-wing group warned of a protest outside the school and threatened legal action if the event was not canceled. Some religious groups and individuals also took to social media to express their discontent over the proposed celebrations.
In response to the growing controversy, the school authorities issued a statement announcing the cancellation of the event.
The statement read, “The safety and well-being of our children is our highest priority. In view of the recent misrepresentation and concerns around potential disruption, we have decided to withdraw the event to maintain peace and ensure a secure environment.” The school further clarified that students should attend classes in regular uniform as usual on the scheduled date.
The incident has sparked discussions over the inclusion of cultural programs in schools and the pressure exerted by right-wing groups on educational institutions.
While the school maintained that the celebration was aimed at promoting India’s cultural diversity, the Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti opposed it, stating that such events should not be organized in schools.
