Uttarakhand school in trouble over morning prayer controversy
A school in Sultanpur Patti, Uttarakhand, landed in hot water after a video showed students—both Hindu and Muslim—reciting the Islamic kalma during morning prayers.
The clip quickly went viral, leading to protests from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and a notice from state education officials.
Principal Girish Chandra Saini admitted this had been part of the routine for over a year.
Practice called out as 'inappropriate'
After the backlash, Saini stopped the prayers and acknowledged that it was not appropriate to include all children in a religious ritual, especially since 110 Hindu and 80 Muslim students were involved.
The district's education chief said forcing students to recite another religion's prayer breaks guidelines.
VHP leaders also protested, saying it was against the sentiments of Hindu students.