A private school in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district has triggered a major controversy after a video allegedly showing young children being taught Islamic religious lessons in Urdu went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from Hindu organisations and prompting an official investigation.
The video, reportedly recorded on December 23, shows children aged around five to six years standing in a classroom in school uniform and answering religious questions asked by a teacher. In the clip, the teacher asks questions such as who they are, who created the world, and details related to Islam and the Prophet. The children respond in unison with answers like “Muslim” and “Allah Taala.” The teacher’s face is not visible, but her voice can be heard clearly.
The school named in the controversy is Azamgarh Public School, a CBSE-affiliated English medium institution located in the Rani Ki Sarai area under the Sarai police station limits. The school was established by Samajwadi Party Legislative Council member Shah Alam, also known as Guddu Jamali, and is managed by Mohammad Noman. The area has a mixed population, with a Muslim majority.
Following the backlash, school authorities said the matter is being examined. Principal Rupal Pandya said the school has sought an explanation from the concerned teacher. “We have asked the teacher to submit a reply. After receiving it, we will be able to confirm whether the video is from our school and when it was recorded. Necessary action will be taken accordingly,” she said.
School manager Mohammad Noman said Urdu is taught as a subject in the school, and the lesson may have been part of that. “A notice has been issued to the teacher and an explanation has been sought. Further action will depend on the findings,” he said.
Right-wing organisations have strongly objected to the video, accusing the school of promoting religious fanaticism. Vishva Hindu Mahasangh national executive president Arun Kumar Singh Sadhu said teaching religious content in a CBSE school was unacceptable. “This is not a madrasa. Children from all religions study here. Teaching only Islamic religious education is condemnable,” he said, adding that he would write to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking cancellation of the school’s recognition.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.
