Assam: Kalma Instead of Vande Mataram? Juria School Republic Day Event Sparks Row

A controversy has erupted in Assam following an incident at a government school in Juria, Nagaon district, on Republic Day, with the actions of the school authorities being linked to remarks made a day earlier by Dhing MLA Aminul Islam.

On January 25, a day ahead of Republic Day, Dhing MLA Aminul Islam posted a video opposing an instruction issued by the Assam government directing schools to record videos of the national flag hoisting ceremony and the singing of Vande Mataram, and upload them on an official government portal. In the video, the MLA stated that, according to Islam, praying to any deity other than Allah is considered a grave sin. He further argued that since Vande Mataram contains references to Hindu deities, it should not be made compulsory for Muslims to sing the song.

Following the MLA’s statement, an incident reported from Singari High School in Juria has now come under scrutiny. On Republic Day, instead of performing the National Anthem and Vande Mataram during the flag hoisting ceremony, the school headmaster allegedly offered prayers to Allah and recited the Kalima.

The episode has left many citizens shocked after visuals of the event surfaced. Questions are now being raised over whether the actions of the school authorities were influenced by the call made by the controversial legislator or whether they stemmed from a lack of awareness of the prescribed Republic Day protocol.

Headmaster Ismail Hussain and teacher Nazrul Islam are at the centre of the controversy. It has been alleged that established rules and ceremonial norms were not followed during the event, including the omission of the National Anthem. The manner of conduct during the ceremony has also drawn criticism.

The incident has triggered strong reactions, including from the Muslim Students’ Association, which expressed anger over what it described as the alleged disrespect of the National Flag and deviation from constitutional practices.

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