Dalit students made to sit in area ‘meant for horses and cattle’ to hear pm’s 'pariksha pe charcha'
Dehradhun: Dalit students of a government high school in Kullu were reportedly made to sit separately outside, in a “place used for horses”, during the telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Pariksha Par Charcha’ on Friday.
According to reports, the school in Kullu’s Chestha gram panchayat had made arrangements for students to watch Modi’s televised programme at the residence of the head of the school management committee.
In a complaint to Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus on Friday evening, some of the students alleged that a teacher, Mehar Chand, told them to sit outside the room where the television had been set up. “Dalit students were made to sit in a place used for keeping horses,” they said, adding that they were warned not to leave midway through the programme.
In their complaint, written in Hindi on a school notebook, the students alleged that they are also subjected to “caste discrimination during midday meals”. “Students belonging to Scheduled Caste category are made to sit separately. Even the headmaster does nothing… he also practices untouchability,” they said.
Following a purported video clip of the incident, a local organisation, Anusuchit Jati Kalyan Sangh, lodged a protest with the school headmaster, Rajan Bhardwaj, and deputy director, education, Kullu, Jagdish Pathania, on Saturday.
“The headmaster, Rajan Bhardwaj, has confirmed the incident and tendered an apology, assuring that this will not be allowed to happen again. But that’s not enough,” said a member of the organisation.
“This matter has come to my notice today. I have asked Secretary, Education to get a report and take stern action,” said State Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj. “I have also been told that Dalit students faced discrimination in the school earlier too, during midday meals. If these reports are true, we will not spare the guilty,” he said.
“The government will seek a report from the local administration and recommend suitable action,” said Secretary (Education) Arun Sharma.
Terming it as a “serious matter”, Deputy Commissioner Yunus said a magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident. “SDM Kullu, Sunny Sharma, will hold the magisterial inquiry. The report has been sought in the next two days,” he said. “Disciplinary action has already been initiated against the headmaster. If the incident is confirmed, criminal liability will be fixed,” he said.
An inquiry committee comprising deputy director (higher education), deputy director (elementary education), district project officer, ICDS, and the local SHO is scheduled to visit the school on Monday.
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Asaduddin Owaisi pays tribute to SM Syed Khalil, calls him great personality of Nawayat Community
Hyderabad: Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his condolences on the passing of SM Syed Khalil, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Bhatkal. In a tweet, Owaisi referred to Syed Khalil as “Khalil Bhau,” fondly acknowledging his significant contributions to the Nawayat community and his work for the poor and needy.
“My condolences to the family of SM Syed Khalil saheb. He was affectionately called as Khalil Bhau, a great personality from the Nawayat Community. He headed many social organizations and helped many poor and needy people. A great loss to the people of Bhatkal. Will miss you, Khalil Bhau,” Owaisi tweeted.
SM Syed Khalil, who passed away in Dubai early Thursday morning after a brief illness, was a respected leader in the Nawayat community and a source of pride for Bhatkal. Known for his extensive contributions to international trade, education, and social service, Khalil’s life was marked by a commitment to uplift the underprivileged and strengthen community ties.
Among his many achievements, Syed Khalil was the Founder Chairman of K&K Enterprises in Sharjah and played a pivotal role in the success of the Galadari Company in Dubai over three decades. He also served as the Chairman of Madhyama Communications Ltd., Mangalore, and was actively involved in promoting Kannada and Konkani languages and culture.
In Bhatkal, he was a guiding force behind institutions like Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen and Rabita Society, where he championed girls’ education and worked to improve opportunities for the community. His leadership, humility, and compassion earned him widespread respect, and his contributions extended far beyond Bhatkal, touching lives across Karnataka and beyond.
My condolences to the family of SM Syed Khalil saheb he was affectionately called as Khalil Bhau a great personality from Nawayat Community,he headed many social organisations helped many poor and needy people,great loss to the people of Bhatkal ,will miss you Khalil bhau pic.twitter.com/piHjCCRD5d
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) November 21, 2024
