Attempts of Conversion by including Lessons on Islam and Christianity in Social Studies – BD

Attempts of Conversion by including Lessons on Islam and Christianity in Social Studies – BD

Mangaluru: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal jointly staged a protest demanding the removal of lessons on Islam and Christianity in the 9th standard Social Studies textbook in front of the Block Education office, Balmatta here, on June 7.

The protesters shouted slogans against the state government for adding subjects related to Islam and Christianity in the 9th standard Social Studies textbook.

Addressing the protesters, Convener of Bajrang Dal Sharan Pumpwell said, “In the 9th standard Social Studies textbook, there are lessons related to Islam and Christianity. We are not against Prophet Mohammed or Jesus Christ. But since it is mentioned that the students should visit mosques and churches to learn about Jesus and Prophet Mohammed and do the homework, we are against it. There are stories of Madhwacharya or Shankaracharya but nowhere it is mentioned for students to visit the Sringeri Math to learn about them. Today, the government is forcing our children to visit mosques and churches to learn about those religions. We, the VHP and the BD, oppose the double standards of the state government and request the Block Education Officer Shalini Rajani to take measures to remove the lessons related to Islam and Christianity.”

President of Matra Mandali Asha Jagadish speaking to mediapersons said, “In the 9th standard Social Studies textbook, importance is given to Christianity and Islam. In the first chapter itself, there is the introduction of Jesus and Prophet Mohammed. They have even asked the students to write an essay visiting the Mosque and Church. The most important point is to study the rituals of Muslims and Christians. Why are our children asked to learn the rituals of Muslims and Christians? The government is forcing the students to go to Mosques and Churches. It is a conspiracy to convert the Hindus. Siddaramaiah could have taken appropriate action but he did not. We don’t object politicians arranging the marriage of their children with Christians and Muslims. But let them not try to convert our children. We are not interested to send our children to school for this. Why is the government forcing our children to study about Islam and Christianity?”

Asha further said, “Let the students study about historians and freedom fighters. In LKG, children are taught ‘London Bridge is following down’. Why can’t they teach about our own country? We are sure this is used for conversion and it is proved, so mothers are not interested to send their children to study such lessons.”

When asked whether they will stop Hindu students from studying in Christian Schools, Asha said, “In the coming days, we may stop our children from studying in Christian schools. Muslim girls wear the Burqa which we don’t like. In Islam, men can have four wives because of which Muslim women suffer. Christians consume alcohol and dance in parties.”

When questioned, what is wrong if Christians drink and dance in the parties, Asha replied, “Many girls consume alcohol and after they get married face a number of health issues. We don’t like girls consuming alcohol and dancing in parties.”

Later, the protesters submitted a memorandum to the Block Education Officer.