Amidst the controversy of the St. Gerosa School incident on February 8th, where a Christian teacher made derogatory remarks about Hindu Dharma, ignited debates about religious bias and the persecution of Hindus. Following the derogatory remarks made by a teacher named Prabha, tensions escalated, leading to protests by parents and Hindu organizations.
In a surprising turn of events, after the suspension of the teacher by the school administration, on 14th the District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Dayanand Naik, of Dakshina Kannada district, has been transferred to Belagavi by the Congress government with immediate effect. Venkatesh Subraya Patagara has been appointed as the new deputy director (administration) for the Dakshina Kannada district School Education Department.
Based on the local news reports, the official statement cites this transfer as part of a routine administrative reorganization, and speculation arises regarding its connection to the controversies surrounding the suspension of a teacher at St. Gerosa Higher Primary School in the city. Reports suggest that dissatisfaction among certain teachers and the public over the handling of allegations against the suspended teacher may have contributed to the decision.
Sister Prabha spoke unfavourably about Hindu Dharma and influenced the students negatively, protests ensued, leading to her dismissal. In response to the protest, the government’s decision to transfer the DDPI has been viewed as a countermeasure. Furthermore, the filing of FIRs against individuals, including two MLAs, two corporators of MCC, and one organization, has added to the tensions. Many have criticized the situation, highlighting disparities in freedom of speech between minorities and Hindus.
Mangalore MLA Vedavyas Kamath addressed the media, revealing that he visited the school premises after concerned parents invited him to investigate the incident. After gathering first-hand accounts from the students, they initiated the protest. Kamath criticized the Congress government’s response, stating that FIRs were filed against protesters and the DDPI was transferred with immediate effect, who had yet to submit a report on the incident. He highlighted the unjust actions taken by the Congress government, including FIRs against MLAs who were not present during the protest, characterizing the Congress government as biased and anti-Hindu. Also, he questioned the government about, why there is no FIR against the teacher who insulted Hinduism and Hindu religious beliefs.?
