“In the newly opened KARNATAKA store of love, the effects of hatred still remain.”
“Teaching is not merely a profession; it’s a sacred duty to nurture the minds and hearts of the next generation.”
In a recent development, the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has taken swift action by transferring a teacher and launching a departmental inquiry in response to allegations that she told two Muslim students to “go to Pakistan” at a government school in Shivamogga. The teacher, identified as Manjula Devi, vehemently denies these claims.
The incident occurred at a school in Tipu Nagar, where Manjula Devi, allegedly addressing two Class 5 students, made the controversial statement. The move to initiate an inquiry and transfer the teacher comes after a formal complaint was filed by A Nazrullah, a leader from the JD(S) party in Shivamogga.
Parameshwarappa C R, Deputy Director of Public Instruction in Shivamogga, confirmed the actions taken, stating, “We received the complaint on Thursday. Action was initiated against the teacher based on a preliminary inquiry by the block education officer.”
According to Parameshwarappa, during the preliminary investigation, the teacher asserted that she made the remarks as a form of discipline, citing unruly behavior and a lack of respect from the students in her class.
Nazrullah’s complaint alleges that while admonishing the two students, Manjula Devi declared that India is “not your country. This is a country of Hindus. You should go to Pakistan.”
Following the incident, the students reported it to their parents, who subsequently alerted local leaders. In response, the block education officer conducted a preliminary probe and submitted a report.
This incident has sparked debate and concern, highlighting the importance of ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment within educational institutions. Further developments in the departmental inquiry will be closely monitored.
