The Rajasthan government plans to write to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), urging action against St Angela Sophia School in Jaipur for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by restricting the use of Holi colours. Education Minister Madan Dilawar criticized the school’s decision, calling it inappropriate and questioning the school’s recognition under CBSE rules.
School’s Holi Colour Restriction Sparks Controversy
On Sunday, the school circulated a message to parents, requesting students not to bring Holi colours to school. The message stated that any student found with colours “may not be allowed to appear for the examination.”
“While we truly understand the excitement this vibrant occasion brings, we kindly request that students refrain from bringing Holi colours to school. This precaution is important to ensure a safe and positive environment for all our students,” the message read.
The school emphasized that the restriction was not on celebrating Holi but on using synthetic and harmful colours. The precaution aimed to protect students’ safety and ensure a smooth examination period.
Education Minister’s Response
Reacting to the school’s message, Education Minister Madan Dilawar condemned the decision.
- In a video message, Dilawar said, “Holi is a festival, and we celebrate it by applying colours. The school is affiliated with CBSE, and we will write to the board asking why they do not cancel the recognition as per the rules.”
- He accused the school of commenting on religious festivals and hurting public sentiment.
School’s Clarification
The school clarified that the restriction was solely to prevent the use of harmful chemicals in Holi colours.
- School principal Sister Cynthia stated, “We wanted the students to complete their exams without disruption and to avoid exposure to harmful chemical colours. It was a precautionary measure.”
- She added that the school will organize a Holi celebration using natural colours and flowers on Wednesday.
- A teacher at the school confirmed that the celebration would take place within the school premises.
Potential CBSE Action
The Rajasthan government’s decision to escalate the matter to CBSE raises questions about how schools manage cultural and religious sensitivities. If CBSE decides to act, it could influence how schools handle festival-related guidelines in the future.
Conclusion
The controversy over the Holi colour ban at St Angela Sophia School highlights the delicate balance between student safety and respecting religious traditions. While the school maintains that its decision was based on health concerns, the Rajasthan government views it as an infringement on religious practices. The outcome of the CBSE’s response will determine how schools approach similar situations in the future.
