Christian organizations and tribal community leaders in Chhattisgarh have urged the state government to withdraw a directive asking schools to include Hindu prayers and rituals in their daily activities.
The directive, issued by the state’s Education Department on June 12, asks all government-recognized schools to begin the school day by chanting prayers in praise of Hindu deities and lighting a traditional Hindu lamp. The new practice is to be followed during the current academic year.
Christian leaders say the order violates the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Christopher Paul said that if the government does not withdraw the directive, Christian students and teachers should at least be exempted from taking part in Hindu prayers and rituals. He said his organization has already written to the Education Department requesting an exemption but has not yet received a reply.
Simon Digbal Tandi said schools should remain secular and should not promote any one religion. He added that Christian groups are consulting legal experts and may approach the High Court if the directive is enforced on Christian schools.
A Catholic school principal, speaking anonymously, said the school has not yet received an official order and will decide its response after receiving formal instructions.
Tribal leaders have also opposed the move. Manish Kunjam said that Adivasis follow their own traditional faith and should not be compelled to participate in Hindu religious practices through the school system.
The issue has sparked fresh debate over religious freedom, secular education, and the rights of minority communities in India.
