A Hindu group warns Christian schools against Xmas celebrations in Aligarh

A Hindu fringe group has issued a warning to Christian schools not to observe Christmas in their schools, where Hindu students are in majority, saying that celebrating Christmas is a step towards forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity.

The threat has reportedly come from Hindu Jagran Manch in Aligarh where they have asked Christian schools, associated with different Diocese, not to celebrate Christmas in their schools.

“In these schools Hindus students are in majority. The School administration, which is governed by the Church, is motivating students to join Christianity. The students are being asked to bring toys and other gifts and celebrate their houses. This is a subtle way to tell them about Christianity,” HJM leader Sonu Savita said.

According to media reports, the organisation has sent letters to different Convent schools asking them not to celebrate Christmas. It has also asked Hindu students not to take part in any celebrations. “If the schools fail to follow our directives we will stage protest in these schools,” the HJM official said. “If any Hindu school organises Christmas in their schools it will be deemed as that school is propagating Christianity and will be opposed by HJM,” Sonu said.

The schools in Aligarh have lodged complaint with the police and district administration. Vandana Sharma, Principal, SPS International Convent School told local media in Aligarh that her school has a composite culture. “The school celebrates Holi, Eid and Christmas with same gaity and religious fervor. Opposition to celebrate Christmas is unfortunate,” she said.

Zaika Hussain, Principal, Jesus Public School, said those opposing composite culture are hurting the national fabric of the country. The children should know about all religions. But opposing one religion and propagating other is bad.

Manish Shukla, a district official told this reporter that no organisation will be allowed to disrupt any celebration in schools. No group would be allowed to take law in its own hands, he said.

The threat came when, just a day earlier, a right-wing Hindu group had attacked Catholic carol singers in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh and also set a priest's car ablaze.

Father Rene Verghese told a news agency in Satna that a group of students training to become priests was moving around Satna town, visiting Christian institutions and singing carols. “Some 15 km from here in Dara Kalan village church where they were getting ready for Christmas celebrations, a group of angry people attacked them, accusing them of carrying out religious conversion.”

Verghese said no one has been arrested so far in the case.