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, that comes across as instilling negative sentiments towards Hinduism.
The complaint, dated November 1, 2024, was sent to NCPCR Chairperson, demanding an investigation into the incident that occurred on October 30.
According to the LRPF, the rally reportedly involved young students carrying placards and voicing slogans critical of Diwali celebrated by crores of Hindus across the world.
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 to the complaint publicly, and Stella Maris School has not issued any statement regarding the allegations.
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