The International School of Bombay is accused of discrimination against Muslim students, creating separate ‘M Sections’ and holding an exclusive annual event
NEW DELHI – The Muslim-majority locality of Khajrana in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has become the centre of a heated controversy after parents accused the International School of Bombay of systematically segregating Muslim students in classrooms and during annual events. Allegations suggest that children from the Muslim community are placed in separate “M Sections” and are excluded from participating equally in school activities alongside their Hindu peers.
Parents have pointed out that the school’s website prominently features festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Christmas, and Teacher’s Day, but makes no mention of major Islamic occasions, including Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, except for acknowledging Eid Milad-un-Nabi. “This gives the impression that our culture is being sidelined,” said one concerned parent.
According to several parents, teachers, and residents, the school recently organised two separate annual celebrations—one exclusively for Muslim students and another for non-Muslim students, mostly Hindu.
Nighat, mother of an 8th-grade student, described her daughter’s experience on 2 February at the Ravindra Natya Graha: “Our programme was completely different from the non-Muslim students’ event the next day. Most Muslim students were left to prepare their performances on their own. They were not allowed to sing patriotic songs and were instead asked to perform Punjabi songs. The event lasted barely two hours, with no special guests and a small audience.”
In contrast, the non-Muslim students’ programme on 3 February was meticulously organised under teacher supervision, continued for three to four hours, featured a special guest, and included refreshments for parents. Nighat added, “Parents wearing burqas, abayas, caps, or traditional Muslim clothing were not allowed entry. When we approached the principal for clarification the next day, the school gates were closed.”
Segregation Under Scrutiny
A parent, posing as a journalist, spoke to Poonam Tiwari, a mathematics teacher, who acknowledged teaching the sixth and seventh grade “M Sections,” interpreted as sections comprising Muslim students. She advised that “A1” and “A2” sections mostly include Hindu students, suggesting a clear divide. Previously, Muslim students were on the afternoon shift, but about a year ago, they were moved to the morning shift, though their sections remained unchanged.
Administrative staff member Nidhi Joshi denied any discrimination, stating, “Why would we segregate? We are here to provide knowledge and equal opportunities.” She cited the school’s facilities and alleged links with top institutions in Mumbai but refused to allow access to classrooms for inspection.
‘Soft Hindutva’ Messages
Sayed Qasim Ali, whose younger brother studies in the school’s 5th grade, alleged that Muslim students’ last year’s scorecards had surnames removed while non-Muslim students’ full names were recorded. He said the school is promoting “sectarian ideas” and has filed a complaint with the chief minister’s helpline.
Qasim also shared that a teacher once told students, “M stands for mango, not monkey, because monkey is associated with Hanuman Ji,” describing it as a subtle “soft Hindutva” message. He further claimed that when he raised concerns about harassment regarding fees, his brother was falsely accused of inappropriate behaviour.
Cultural Exclusion
Parents highlighted that major Islamic festivals, including Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, are absent from the school’s event calendar, strengthening claims of cultural marginalisation. “Our children’s festivals are ignored, while Hindu and Western celebrations are highlighted,” said a parent.
Following public outrage, Congress corporator Rubina Khan visited the school, reporting that the administration requested a month to address the concerns. She warned that failure to implement changes would lead to escalation to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and urged parents to reconsider enrolment until corrective measures are taken.
Currently, no FIR or formal legal action has been registered against the school. Parents continue to demand accountability and equal treatment for their children, highlighting the need for inclusivity in educational institutions.
