Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Jun 7: Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP) staged a protest here at the office of Block Education officer (BEO) near Jyothi Circle on Thursday June 7, condemning the inclusion of chapter on Islam and Christian community in class 9 social science text books.
Addressing the protesters, Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell said, "The Education department has included chapters on Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed in 9th standard social science text books. We do not have problems with lessons on history, introduction of Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed. But in the name of these chapters, students are forced to do activities which include asking them to visit mosques and churches which we strongly condemn,”
“Class 9 students are quite young and when they do such activities, it will have bad impact on them. Why this bias in education system for Hindus, Muslims and Christians?” he questioned.
"When lessons on Shankaracharya and Madhvacharya were included in the text books, it was never mentioned that students need to visit temples or do research activities. This is a conspiracy hatched for conversion and to break Hindu community,” he said.
VHP women wing leader Asha said, "In the first page of 9th standard social science text book, a chapter on Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed has been included. It also mentions about the rituals followed by Muslim and Christian community. In the name of assignments, students are being forced to visit mosques and churches,”
"All this is part of conversion. Let these politicians accept daughters-in-law from other religion or get their daughters married to grooms from other religions. The entire Hindu community is agitated by this move. We feel that this is not required for children. Instead, it would be good to teach them about scientists, achievers, great leaders, and freedom fighters. From LKG, we are taught 'London Bridge is falling down'. Why we need other countries history? It is better to teach students about our country, its tradition and culture,” she added.
VHP convener Shivanand Mendon, Praveen Kuthar and others were present.