The Assam government has mandated schools to permit students to wear cultural and religious symbols like rakhis and tilaks, following a directive aimed at upholding children’s rights. This move has sparked criticism from a Hindutva leader towards Christian missionary schools.
Guwahati: In a significant move, the Assam government has instructed schools across the state to allow students to wear traditional cultural and religious symbols, including rakhis and tilaks, particularly during festival celebrations. This directive, which aims to protect students from discrimination and corporal punishment, aligns with an advisory from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) issued on August 8, 2024. The commission emphasized the importance of respecting students’ cultural and religious identities.The government, through a letter from Deputy Secretary Aditi Barman on October 1, stressed the need for educational institutions to adhere to these guidelines and provide necessary instructions to their staff.Support for this directive came from Hindutva leader Satya Ranjan Borah, who criticized Christian missionary schools for allegedly undermining constitutional values. He cited Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which encourages harmony and brotherhood among citizens, as a basis for the government’s stance. Borah claimed that such measures are not just constitutional obligations but essential for fostering inclusivity in education, highlighting that the new Education Policy mandates teaching students in their mother tongue.Borah characterized Sanatan philosophy as inclusive, contrasting it with what he perceives as the exclusivity of other religions. He further suggested that this directive should extend nationwide and proposed legal actions to ensure compliance with constitutional duties.Addressing the challenges faced by Assamese students, Borah pointed out instances of punishment for speaking their mother tongue, particularly in missionary schools where Assamese is offered only as an alternative language. He has reached out to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging him to take action on this issue.The government’s letter emphasized the importance of safeguarding students’ rights and urged schools to eliminate practices that could lead to harassment or discrimination.
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