Shahrukh Pathan, a Muslim guest teacher at Sandipani School in Bistan in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, was publicly humiliated. The incident took place when he advised Class 2 students to refrain from wearing religious symbols such as tilak and kalawa.
According to the school staff, Shahrukh sir’s aim was to inculcate a sense of equality and respect for all among the children. “Shahrukh sir was not stopping the children with any ill intention. He only wanted to explain that all children should be treated equally,” said a staff member.
Video of Muslim Teacher’s Humiliation Goes Viral
In the video, activists of local Hindu organisations can be seen forcing the teacher to do sit-ups by holding his ears and slogans were raised around him. During this, the teacher also apologised under pressure and also submitted a written apology.
The leaders of the organisation said, “This is very wrong. Children from all communities study here. This type of behaviour insults religious sentiments and takes children away from their traditions.” They also demanded the school principal Balram Bhanwar to take action against the teacher.
Social media reaction
The incident drew a lot of criticism after it went viral on social media. Many called it misbehaviour with a minority teacher. Educationists and rights activists said the teacher should have the right to teach without fear. “Humiliating a teacher like this is unacceptable and it sends the wrong message to children,” said an education rights activist.
The incident has also sparked debate on the safety of minority teachers and religious tolerance in the education sector in Madhya Pradesh.
