After hijab, Bible in school triggers row in Bengaluru

The move has drawn criticism from right-wing groups that claimed that the school is forcing non-Christian students to read the Bible

A controversy has erupted over the mandatory teaching of the Bible at a private school in east Bengaluru.

In the application form for admission to grade 11, Clarence High School in Richards Town has asked parents to give an undertaking that they have no objection to the study of the Bible.

The application form reads: “Clarence High School provides sound moral and spiritual instruction, in addition to academic knowledge, in order for students to become good and useful citizens of India and the world. Such instruction is given through the study of the Bible. Only those parents and students who have no objection to this need apply. The possession of the Bible and Hymn Book and attendance at the Morning Assemblies and Scripture Classes are mandatory (sic).”

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The school has also asked parents to give a declaration that, “We understand that my child requires sound moral and spiritual instruction, in addition to the academic knowledge, in order to become a good and useful citizen of India and the world. We understand that in Clarence High School, such instruction is given through a study of the Bible, and we have no objection to this.”

Some parents criticised the move on social media, tagging the chief minister and the minister for primary and secondary education and seeking their intervention. They also uploaded the application form and the declaration to Twitter and other social media.

A parent who is looking to enrol his son at the school said: “It should be the parents’ choice. It should not be compulsory.”

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The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti said it would file a complaint with the Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, B C Nagesh, seeking an inquiry against “all schools run by Christian missionaries”.

Mohan Gowda, the state spokesperson for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, called it a “clear violation” of the Constitution and the Karnataka Education Act.

Sri Ram Sena founder Pramod Muthalik on Monday asked the school management to keep the Bible at their homes and churches. "Why is Bible being preached to Hindu students who comprise 90 per cent of the total student population in the school?" he questioned. The school must be seized and students transferred to other schools, he demanded.

Speaking to DH, Nagesh said no educational institution can forcibly teach religious books. “We have not received any official complaint (about the matter) but got to know about it through social media. No educational institution can force religious books on students. I have asked the officials to find out more.”

Phone calls and text messages sent to the school authorities seeking comment did not elicit a response.

George Mathew, the school Principal, had earlier stated to the media that he is sad over the development. The Bible has been taught for 100 years. He maintained that advocates will answer all questions raised against the institution. Mathew said, "We're aware that some people are upset about one of the policies of our school. We're a peace-loving and law-abiding school. We've consulted our advocates on this matter and we'll follow their advice. We won't break law of the land."

(With inputs from agencies)

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