Indian Christians revolt against obligation to practice Hindu rites in schools
In the public and private schools of western India, the students will be obligated to pray Hindu prayers. Many Christian parents and teachers are opposed to this measure as it damages religious liberty.
Every public and private educational institutions in the federal territory of Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu (including the Christian ones) will be obligated to celebrate Vasant Panchami (a Hindu festival to celebrate the arrival of spring) and worship Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.
According to the government circular sent to the schools, the students will have to recite some prayers and participate in a religious ceremony. After the event, the establishments have to send photos to the government to prove that they organised the ceremony.
The local Christian communities revolted against these measures and asked the government to withdraw the demand. Some years ago, the same administration tried to remove Good Friday from the national festivities. The Christians then turned to the High Court in Bombay, and the measure in question was revoked.
