A government school principal in Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Salauddin, was suspended after allegations emerged that he forced Hindu students to learn Urdu and pressured them to question their religious beliefs. The incident took place at a composite school in Harvanshpur Dharam, Bijnor district.

Subhi Vishwakarma, a reporter provided the on ground coverage of the incident through her post in social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).

According to multiple reports and viral videos, Salauddin not only coerced Hindu students into studying Urdu, but also allegedly encouraged Muslim students to physically assault them when they refused. Furthermore, he reportedly made derogatory remarks about Hindu temples and the existence of Hindu gods, telling students “there is nothing like temples and gods, has anyone seen God?” Upon investigation by local education authorities—following viral videos and complaints from students and parents—the charges were found to have merit, leading to his immediate suspension and transfer to another school. The district’s education officials stated unequivocally that religious discrimination and coercion of this kind is unacceptable in the education system, and local Hindu organizations have called for strict legal action against Salauddin.

The case came to light after a video was widely circulated on social media in which the students themselves narrated this maltreatment. The video showed students describing how they were threatened, pressured, and physically punished for not complying. The content of Salauddin’s statements in the video was seen as deeply offensive and disrespectful to Hindu beliefs, further inflaming the situation.

Following the viral exposure, Yogendra Kumar, the Basic Education Officer (BSA) of Bijnor, ordered an immediate investigation led by the block education officer, Inderpal Singh. Based on the statements of students and parents, the allegations against Salauddin were substantiated. Consequently, Salauddin was suspended forthwith and transferred to a different primary school, Jahannabad Khobra.

This incident has sparked anger and concern among parents and local Hindus about religious bias and coercion in educational settings, amid calls from civil society for stronger safeguards to ensure the religious freedom and security of Hindu students.

Other Recent Incidents Where Hindu Students Were Forced to Follow Islamic or Christian Practices:

• Kota, Rajasthan (2025): A controversy erupted when a video surfaced showing Hindu students in a school being made to recite the Kalma, an Islamic prayer. The video went viral, leading to protests and official inquiries into the school’s conduct.
• Kerala (various incidents): There have been occasional reports in Kerala of Hindu students or their parents objecting to mandatory attendance in Christmas or Eid celebrations, or being pressured to participate in prayers associated with another religion in some schools. However, these are typically quickly addressed by school administrators and rarely reach the severity seen in the Bijnor incident.
• Documented Trends: A report highlighted that there have been at least 18 documented incidents of alleged religious coercion or anti-Hindu activities in educational institutions across Bharat, where students complained of pressure to participate in religious practices or teachings not aligned with their faith. Details included forced recitation of religious texts, attendance at special prayers, or inclusion in activities of religious significance to Islam or Christianity without parental consent

Conclusion

This incident reflects a worrisome trend where the inclusive spirit of education is compromised, undermining the cultural and religious identities of Hindu students. It underscores the urgent need for strict vigilance and enforcement of policies that protect Hindu children from predatory religious coercion in schools. The suspension of Mohammad Salauddin should serve as a strong message that attempts to impose religious or linguistic domination in educational institutions will not be tolerated, ensuring that the future of Hindu children remains secure and dignified.