Christian schools targetted in Raigad Maharashtra

This is really close to where I am from originally. Please find below an article from the Bombay Catholic Sabah. he following below is from the Bombay Catholic Sabah web site

Christian Schools in Raigad District targeted by the local Education Department as they were closed on August 29 in solidarity and support of the Orissa victims.

This ridiculous circular issued by the Block Education Officer Raigad District questioning the patriotism and nationalism [ copy of the circular below] and summoning the school principals for a meeting on September 16 to discuss questions which are as follows:

1. Is the national anthem sung in your school? (Authors note - This is a practice done in all Christian schools)

2. Are the lessons on Saints taught in the school? (Authors note - I am sure they do not mean Catholic saints. Why should Christian schools teach about non-Christian 'saints')

3. Is Religion taught in your school? (Authors note - This is the sneaky one. If Christianity is taught in the schools then the local government will deliberately say that Christians are trying to forcibly convert the students. )

4. Are the pictures of the National Leaders displayed in your school and where? (Authors note - In my School National Leaders were framed on the wall along with the the Pope at the time)

We are equally shocked that this circular was issued under the pressure and direction of the local Zilla President of the BJP.

We need to know the following from the Chief Minister / Education Minster of Maharashtra:

1. Is this Circular issued under the direction of the Education Minister?

2. Is this Circular being issued selectively to the Christian Schools?

We need to respectfully advise the concerned Government Authorities that the Christian Institutions are protected under the Constition under Article 30 which stipulates the rights of the minorities to establish, administer and run the Institutions of their choice.

We do not have to put the badge of patriotism on our shoulders as the work of the Institutions and Personnel is committed and involved in nation building by educating the children of all communities.

We therefore demand the following:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the said Circular.

2. Suspension of the concerned education official

3. We fear for the safety of the Institutions and the Personnel. Adequate police protection for all the Institutions in Maharashtra.

Needless to say, if our requests are not complied with, than the The Bombay Catholic Sabha will have no options but to launch a public agitation to protect our rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

Best Regards,

Dolphy D'souza

President
THE BOMBAY CATHOLIC SABHA
St Michael's Church,
Mahim, Mumbai 400 016.
Tel: 24463853 / 9820226227
Email: president@bcsabha.org
www.bcsabha.org

(The Author hopes that all protests and public agitations taken by the Bombay Catholic Sabah are peaceful following the teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ)