The recent controversy in Madhya Pradesh centers around the state government’s directive mandating the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami in all educational institutions. This order, issued on August 21, calls for a range of activities, including temple cleaning, cultural programs, and lectures on Lord Krishna’s life and teachings across schools and colleges.
Congress MLA Arif Masood has voiced strong opposition to this decision, arguing that educational institutions should focus solely on academic learning rather than religious celebrations. He suggests that such compulsory celebrations undermine the secular nature of education and contrast with the freedom given to different communities to celebrate their festivals in their own way. Masood emphasized that educational institutions should remain dedicated to educational purposes and criticized the government for what he perceives as encroaching on this space with religious mandates.
In response, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma defended the government’s decision, framing it as a celebration of an important cultural and religious festival in India. He accused the Congress of opposing the celebration out of a broader political stance and asserted that Janmashtami is a significant part of Indian heritage that deserves to be honored. Sharma also questioned whether it is inappropriate to study or celebrate Krishna within the educational framework, implying that the Congress’s objections reflect a broader aversion to Hindu cultural practices.
The debate highlights a clash between differing views on the role of religious and cultural activities within public institutions and reflects broader tensions between political parties on the intersection of religion and education.
