In a controversial and alarming incident, a formal complaint has been lodged against the warden of a government girls’ hostel in Kalayarkoil, Sivaganga district, accusing her of coercing students into reading the Bible and attempting to convert them to Christianity.
The hostel, located opposite the Kalaiyarkoil Government Teachers Training Institute, houses 68 female students from classes 6 to 12. The warden in question, identified as Lakshmi from Karaikudi, has come under scrutiny following allegations raised by a concerned parent.
Manimekalai, a resident of Maruthanganallur and the mother of one of the students, submitted a complaint to District Collector P. Porkodi. In her statement, she alleged that Lakshmi was pressuring her daughter and other students to read the Bible daily and participate in religious worship services, claiming it amounted to an attempt at religious conversion. She further complained about poor living conditions, stating that meals were being prepared with spoiled vegetables.
“My daughter is being forced to take part in Bible readings and worship sessions. The hostel food is also being made with rotten vegetables. I’ve brought this to the collector’s attention,” Manimekalai stated in her complaint.
Responding to the allegations, warden Lakshmi clarified, “During quarterly and half-yearly examinations, students were encouraged to sing hymns and read the Bible for moral support. After receiving the complaint, we immediately stopped the practice. I have already submitted a written explanation to the District Adi Dravidar Welfare Office.”
The matter is currently under review by district authorities, and further action is expected following the investigation.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
