The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), alleging that Stella Maris School in Visakhapatnam engaged minor students in an anti-Diwali rally, which comes across as instilling negative sentiments towards Hinduism.
The complaint, dated November 1, 2024, was sent to the NCPCR Chairperson, demanding an investigation into the incident on October 30.
According to the LRPF, the rally reportedly involved young students carrying placards and voicing slogans critical of Diwali, which is celebrated by crores of Hindus worldwide.
The organization contends that the school’s management may have influenced the students, including Hindu students, to express opposition to the festival, thereby promoting a biased stance against Hindu traditions. “Diwali is celebrated with devotion and joy by millions, and this rally appears to undermine that,” reads the complaint.
LRPF further suggested that such activities could have lasting psychological effects on the young participants, potentially fostering religious intolerance.
The organization has called on the NCPCR to alert the Police Commissioner of Visakhapatnam and has requested that the District Collector consider withdrawing Stella Maris School’s official recognition under applicable legal provisions.
The NCPCR has yet to respond publicly to the complaint, and Stella Maris School has not issued a statement regarding the allegations.
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