Right-wing groups claim ‘Kalma’ was recited by Hindu students and accuse the school of promoting Islam, sparking unrest and threats of mass agitation
NEW DELHI/KOTA – Some Hindu right-wing organisations created uproar over a multi-faith prayer session conducted at Bakshi Springdale School in Borkheda in Rajasthan’s Kota District, alleging that Hindu children were forced to recite the Islamic declaration of faith — commonly known as the Kalma. The controversy, which is largely based on an old video, has stirred tension and panic within the Muslim community and among school authorities.
The video, now viral on social media, shows students participating in what the school calls a “Sarva Dharma Prarthana” (All-Faith Prayer) — a practice followed at the school for more than three decades. Yet, instead of appreciating the message of communal harmony, Hindu groups focused only on the parts that referenced Islamic prayers and began accusing the school of promoting Islam among Hindu students.
The school administration clarified that the prayer included mantras and hymns from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism — meant to foster mutual respect among children of diverse religious backgrounds.
“We have always promoted unity among religions,” said the school director. “For 30 years, we’ve held Sarva Dharma Prarthana every morning. My father fought in three wars for this country, and I myself am retired from the Indian Navy. We respect every religion equally. Education has no religion.”
A copy of the school’s official prayer was also shown to the visiting education department officials, which clearly reflects a composite prayer format. A recording of the prayer was played for them and statements were taken from students and staff. Officials reportedly found no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Despite the school’s clarifications and the absence of any actual Kalma recitation in the viral video, Hindu organisations have persisted with their accusations. Representatives from these groups warned of a large-scale protest if “action” is not taken.
“It is wrong to impose religious views on Hindu children,” said a member of a right-wing Hindu group, without acknowledging the fact that the prayer was inclusive of all religions. “We will not tolerate this and will launch a big movement if our demands are not met.”
Such remarks have caused distress among the Muslim community and school staff, many of whom now fear for their safety. The reaction has also left students confused and upset.
A parent, who requested anonymity, said, “Our children were learning about humanity. They were being taught that all religions preach love. But these groups only saw ‘Kalma’ in the prayer. They are twisting facts to further their agenda.”
This is not an isolated incident. In March 2025, members of the Hindu Jagran Manch spread false information about Muslim students offering Namaz during a National Service Scheme (NSS) programme at IIMT University in Meerut. The allegations were thoroughly investigated and proved baseless. The real culprit behind the rumour was a member of the Hindu organisation, who was later arrested by the police.
“The pattern is clear,” said a local Muslim activist in Kota. “They target Muslims by spreading half-truths or lies, and then use them to build hatred. This needs to stop. They are not protecting their religion — they are damaging the country’s unity.”
Several Muslim groups and secular activists have now called upon the government and the media to act responsibly and prevent communal elements from dividing the society on religious lines.
The episode has led to widespread anxiety among Muslims in Kota and beyond. Social media has become a tool for spreading communal hatred, where videos are taken out of context and used to fuel anger against Muslims.
A teacher from Bakshi Springdale School, visibly shaken, said, “We are just teachers. We come to school to educate children, not to fight religious battles. But today we are being targeted just because we included a Muslim prayer along with others. It feels like we are not safe anymore.”
Another teacher, a Hindu, came to the defence of the school: “As a Hindu, I have never felt offended by the Sarva Dharma Prarthana. It taught us respect for all religions. What is wrong with that?”
Interestingly, many political leaders have remained silent on the matter, fearing backlash from either side. However, a few voices have started to rise in support of the school.
“I stand with Bakshi Springdale School,” said a local Congress leader. “They are being targeted for promoting unity. If we keep quiet now, we are failing our children.”
Meanwhile, secular citizens, retired defence personnel, and social workers have come together in Kota to express solidarity with the school. Many have demanded legal action against those spreading hatred and threatening school staff.
One such voice was that of Colonel (retd) Iqbal Khan, who said, “This school represents the true spirit of India. My grandchildren study there, and I’ve never seen anything communal in their approach. These attackers are not patriots—they are enemies of peace.”
At the heart of the matter lies a larger question: Why is a prayer for all religions being seen as a threat? Why does the mention of Islam, even when presented alongside other religions, provoke such a strong reaction from Hindu right-wing groups?
A young Muslim student from the school summed it up poignantly: “We were just praying for peace and respect for all religions. Why are they so angry at us?”
The current atmosphere has made Muslim students and their families feel unsafe and unheard. Many fear that such incidents are part of a broader campaign to marginalise Muslims in public spaces — especially in schools and colleges.
A local cleric, Maulana Shafiq, said, “If praying together for peace is considered a crime, then what is left of our secularism? These children were spreading love. What kind of message are we giving them by attacking them for that?”
The episode has highlighted the urgent need for responsible governance, accurate reporting, and communal harmony. Muslim voices in India, especially those engaged in peace-building and education, must be protected and supported — not demonised.
Journalists, activists, and educators alike are calling for strict action against those who spread misinformation and threaten violence. At the same time, they are urging media houses to stop giving space to hate-mongers.
As the story unfolds, one thing remains clear: the real danger to Indian unity does not come from children praying for peace, but from those who see hatred in every act of kindness.
“Our children were talking about humanity, but they only heard Kalma,” said a Muslim parent in tears. “What have we become as a society?”
