M’luru: ‘Anti-Hindu’ remarks by teacher; School management accuse MLA of pressuring teacher’s dismissal

Team Udayavani, Feb 15, 2024, 8:38 PM IST

The controversy surrounding the alleged disparagement of Hindu sentiments by a teacher at a private school has taken a new turn.

According to the school management  the teacher’s actions did not offend Hindu sentiments and attributed her dismissal to external pressure, notably from MLA Vedavyasa Kamath.

The incident reportedly stemmed from the teacher’s explanation of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Work is Worship” in her style. However, upon interrogation, the teacher vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that she did not intend to insult Hinduism or any religious beliefs. The school management expressed suspicion that the individual accusing the teacher in the audio clip may be a parent of students attending their institution.

Despite the teacher’s denial and the school’s efforts to address the issue internally, MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, representing a Hindu paragroup, allegedly led a demonstration outside the school premises, joined by students, and demanded the teacher’s dismissal. Despite invitations extended to the MLA to discuss the matter within the school, he reportedly insisted on her termination.

In response to the escalating situation and to maintain law and order, the school management stated that they felt compelled to terminate the teacher’s employment. This decision was made despite the absence of alternative options, as per the school’s statement.