Online Signature Campaign in support of Eid programme held in Pune’s Huzurpaga School

Huzurpaga School

Pune – An Eid programme was organised recently at Pune’s Huzurpaga school. Hindu loyalists and citizens launched a staunch opposition to the Islamisation of this popular school. The school received severe criticism on the social media too. Yet, some people are carrying out a signature campaign on a website called change.org in support of the Eid programme held in the school. The website shows that this campaign has been started by a group called ‘LokshahiUtsav’.

The appeal for the signature on the website states, “We admire and commend your efforts toward promoting the culture of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony among children in your school on the eve of Eid. The importance of secularism, as enshrined in the Constitution, needs to be imbibed from an early age to inculcate an ability to accept diversity. The need of the hour is to teach children to respect different religions and cultures from a young age. Salute to you for bringing out such a creative activity in your school through a play based on Premchand’s Eidgah to teach kids to respect all religions. We feel sad to see so much positive effort has faced such narrow-minded resistance. We appreciate your efforts to spread our Constitutional values.”

What is the actual matter?

Eid-e-Milad was celebrated at Maharashtra Girls’ Education Society’s Huzurpaga Late Sou Ashwini Arun Deosthale Pre-primary English Medium School at Lakshmi Road. On this occasion, Savita Ankaikar, the Principal of the school explained the significance of the festival to the students. Premchand’s short story ‘Eidgah’ was narrated to the children. A small play based on the story was also staged. Everyone wished ‘Eid Mubarak” and ate Sheer Khurma.

Editorial Perspectives

  • Please note that the same Education Department which has banned even a  picture of Goddess Saraswati in schools does not utter a word about an Eid programme celebrated in school.
  • All the Progressives, Atheists and Communists who criticised teaching Bhagvadgeeta in schools as Saffronisation of education never say that celebrating Eid in schools leads to Islamisation of schools.
  • Have you ever heard about a Ganesh Festival or Navratri being celebrated in a Muslim school or Madarasa ?