A simple multi-faith prayer session at Bakshi Springdale School in Borkheda, Kota district of Rajasthan has stirred a storm of communal tension, with Hindu right-wing groups alleging that Hindu children were compelled to recite the Islamic declaration of faith, the Kalma.
The uproar is largely fueled by a viral video that shows students participating in the school’s longstanding “Sarva Dharma Prarthana” — an all-faith prayer practice observed for over 30 years to promote harmony among students of diverse religions.
The school administration has repeatedly clarified that the prayer includes mantras and hymns from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism, designed to foster mutual respect and unity.
“We have always promoted unity among religions,” said the school director, a retired Indian Navy officer whose father fought in three wars for India. “For three decades, this has been part of our daily routine. Education transcends religion. We respect all faiths equally.”
Education department officials, who visited the school to investigate, confirmed the prayer’s composite nature after reviewing recordings and interviewing students and staff. They found no evidence of forced Islamic prayer or any wrongdoing.
Yet, despite these clarifications, Hindu right-wing organisations have continued to accuse the school of ‘promoting Islam’ among Hindu children and have threatened mass protests unless “action” is taken.
“It is wrong to impose religious views on Hindu children,” said a spokesperson from one such group. “We will not tolerate this and will launch a big movement if our demands are ignored.”
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.
