'Intended to appreciate India's cultural diversity': Shimla school cancels ‘Eid’ plans after Hindutva threats

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* 

A private school in Shimla has canceled its planned Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations following threats from a Hindutva group.

An organization called ‘Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti’ threatened to "gherao" the school and take legal action if the decision to celebrate the Eid festival was not withdrawn. Other religious outfits and individuals also expressed concern on social media.

The Auckland House School authority stated that they had organized the celebration to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity. They had invited students to wear traditional attire and bring festive food as part of a cultural learning experience, similar to their celebrations for Holi, Diwali, and Christmas.

The English-medium school had issued directions to the students for March 28, the last Friday before Eid-ul-Fitr, for the celebrations.

A communiqué to the parents read: "The planned Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations for classes Nursery to Class Two were part of our efforts to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity -- just as we celebrate Holi, Diwali, and Christmas."

"It was intended purely as a cultural learning experience, with no religious rituals or enforcement, and participation was entirely voluntary."

“Given the recent misrepresentation and concern about potential disruption, the school has decided to withdraw the event to maintain peace and security. Students should attend school in regular uniform as usual,” it added.

“Himachal Pradesh and its capital Shimla have emerged as an epicenter of anti-Islam, anti-Muslim activity,” said a social activist who had opposed the Sangoli mosque demolition in Shimla.

“Hindu extremists are having a field day in Himachal Pradesh,” she said, adding, “The situation might have escalated significantly if a similar initiative had come from any Islamic group.”

An old interview with the social activist is provided for context regarding the developments in Shimla:

https://maeeshat.in/shimla-is-under-the-grip-of-islamophobia-interview-with-a-resident-activist/

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*Journalist