Last Update: 15 August 2022, 13:55 IST
School reportedly asked students to remove rakhi wristbands (Image by PTI/Rep)
I was surprised because we are a harmonious society and we do not tolerate hurting the religious sentiments of other religions, and we should not encourage it,
A controversy broke out at a Christian missionary school here over the alleged forcible removal of bands tied on the wrists of some students and throwing them in the dustbin. Following the alleged incident, some parents of students along with some Hindu activists stormed the Infant Mary English Medium High School in Katipalla on Friday, questioning the action. Police also reached there to calm the situation.
Angry parents wanted to know what was the harm in allowing ‘Raksha Bandhan’ if the school had no objection on ‘Friendship Day’. Santosh Lobo, the head of the institution, told the parents that they were not aware of the development, adding that they have always welcomed ‘Raksha Bandhan’ as it is a good tradition.
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Raksha Bandhan is a good tradition. Hindu brothers used to tie a bandage on my wrist. I am new here. I just came two months ago. For six years I used to tie rakhi on my wrist in Kasaragod (in Kerala). We were happy with it. I request you not to misunderstand the situation,” he said. Lobo told the parents and activists that Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated in his institution and no one can object to it. He said, ‘I will call those children and say that there is no problem in tying rakhi.
“Without bringing it to my notice, an incident happened. At 9 pm (Thursday) a police officer came and told me that one such incident had happened. I was surprised because we are a cohesive society and we do not tolerate hurting the religious sentiments of other religions, and we should not encourage it,” Lobo said.
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