Why religious lessons in school? MANS aggressive on Seven Square’s “GR”, Avinash Jadhav warns of a protest

Mira‑Bhayandar, September 10 (City News Mumbai)

The controversy over the alleged guidelines issued regarding students’ tiffin at Sevan Square School on Mira Road has now intensified. In a GR issued by the school a few days ago, it was stated that students should not bring onions, garlic, ginger, potatoes, eggs, and non‑veg in their tiffin. The Mira‑Bhayandar unit of MNS has strongly opposed this order.

On Wednesday, MNS Mira‑Bhayandar leaders Sachin Pople and Robert Desouja’s team reached the school gate and lodged a protest. After the matter went viral on social media, BJP MLA Narendra Mehta clarified that the school’s order is not mandatory. He also said that one should observe fasting for good health.

‘Do not divide children on the basis of religion.’

On Thursday, MNS Thane district president Avinash Jadhav went to Sevan Square School and adopted a sharp stance on the issue. Jadhav said that innocent children should not be divided on the basis of religion or caste. Children should be given education in school, not religious instruction.

Jadhav said that even on religious occasions such as Ganapati festival or Eid, no school has tried to impose religious rules on children in this manner. He questioned why MLA Narendra Mehta, who received votes from Marathi and Muslim communities, and who spoke of secularism during the elections, is now raising the issue of religion in matters concerning children.

Withdraw the GR by evening, otherwise a large protest will be held at the school gate.

Avinash Jadhav gave the school administration a deadline to retract the alleged GR, warning that if the order is not withdrawn by evening, a large protest will be staged at the school gate.

Amid heavy police deployment, MNS leaders also met the school principal. Jadhav demanded the alleged order be withdrawn, stating that if the school administration does not retract it, a complaint will be filed with the education department and, if necessary, the court will be approached to cancel the school’s recognition.

‘No school is above the law.’

Jadhav says that no school has the right to issue discriminatory orders for students on the basis of caste or religion. He has also demanded action from the education officer in this matter.

Attempts were made to contact MLA Narendra Mehta to ascertain his position on the entire controversy, but no response could be obtained from him by the time the story was written.

Following MNS’s aggressive stance, the Sevan Square School dispute now appears to be heating up at both political and administrative levels.