Khargone Teacher Humiliated Over Advice on Religious Symbols in Class

Khargone: A Muslim teacher in Madhya Pradesh was publicly humiliated after advising his students to avoid wearing religious symbols in class. The incident took place at Sandipani School in Bistan, where guest teacher Shahrukh Pathan was forced by members of local Hindu groups to perform sit-ups while holding his ears as slogans were raised around him. A video of the episode quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread criticism.

Pathan, who was teaching Class 2 students, had told them not to wear tilak or kalawa threads during lessons. School staff explained that his intention was to encourage equality among children and minimize visible differences. “He only wanted them to understand equality and respect for all,” one staff member said.

However, some parents and workers of the Sakal Hindu Samaj accused him of insulting traditions and confronted him on school grounds. The video shows Pathan apologising under pressure, both verbally and in writing. A leader of the group claimed that his remark hurt religious sentiments and demanded disciplinary action from the school principal.

The incident drew strong reactions online, with many calling it harassment of a minority educator. Rights activists stated that teachers should not be subjected to intimidation for attempting to promote social harmony. “Forcing a teacher to apologise in such a humiliating way is unacceptable and sends the wrong message to students,” one education activist noted.

The episode has reignited concerns about religious intolerance in educational spaces and the pressure faced by teachers while addressing sensitive issues in classrooms.