Himachal Pradesh: Private School Withdraws Eid Celebration Plan After Right-Wing Protest
Shimla: A private school in Himachal Pradesh has withdrawn its decision to allow students to wear new clothes and bring food items ahead of Eid after facing threats of protests from the right-wing group Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti.
According to reports, Auckland House School had initially planned a cultural event on March 28, the last Friday of Ramadan, to promote India’s diverse traditions. However, the decision triggered opposition from right-wing activists, who claimed it was an attempt to promote Islam in the state. They warned of legal action and threatened to stage demonstrations outside the school.
In response, school authorities retracted the decision, citing concerns over student safety. “The event aimed at cultural education, similar to how we celebrate Holi, Diwali, and Christmas. However, due to recent misinterpretations and potential disruptions, we have decided to cancel the program for a peaceful environment,” the school stated in a message to parents.
The incident highlights the growing pressure on educational institutions regarding religious celebrations. Recently, Aligarh Muslim University was forced to cancel its Holi celebrations after facing political and administrative resistance. However, while Hindu festivals are defended in the name of cultural heritage, even minor Eid celebrations are met with intense opposition.
Reacting to the controversy, Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur stated that the state is known for its communal harmony and will ensure it remains intact. The school management also condemned the spread of misleading and communal messages on social media, urging responsible reporting to prevent societal divisions.
The development raises concerns over increasing right-wing influence on educational institutions, where even voluntary cultural programs are labeled as religious impositions. Critics argue that such incidents expose the selective nature of secularism in India, where celebrations of one faith are welcomed while those of another are deemed controversial.
