Last Updated:
Kerala School Christmas: Kerala government has denied the news of ban on Christmas celebrations in private schools. The government ordered an investigation and warned of strict action against any attempt to spread communalism. School officials also clarified that there is no ban on Christmas celebrations in their school.
Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government on Sunday strongly condemned reports that some private schools have banned Christmas celebrations and returned the money taken from students. The government warned that schools would not be allowed to become ‘communal laboratories’. According to the news published in CPI(M) mouthpiece ‘Deshabhimani’, some schools associated with Sangh Parivar and a Hindu managed school have banned Christmas celebrations. However, RSS and school management have denied this.
The government said that in a state like Kerala, where there is a tradition of democratic thinking and secularism, this has never happened before. Orders have been given to immediately investigate the matter. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that the ‘North Indian model’ which divides people in the name of religion or belief will not be allowed to be implemented in the schools of Kerala. He said that schools are such places where children rise above caste and religion, study and grow together. Any attempt to create division among students will not be tolerated. Officials have been asked to immediately investigate and submit a report.
An RSS official said that to his knowledge no such decision has been taken. He said, ‘We are not against any cultural program.’ At the same time, the officials of the Hindu Management School which is mentioned in the news also made it clear that there is no ban on Christmas celebrations at their place. The management said that in view of the possibility of food poisoning, there is a ban on cutting of cakes, but Christmas celebrations will take place.
