Guwahati, 9th April: The recent guidelines issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) aimed at addressing contemporary socio-cultural, religious, and political challenges in its schools have garnered praise from the Guwahati-based right-wing group Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP).
Expressing approval of the CBCI’s initiative, KSP has sought a meeting with CBCI officials to discuss additional concerns. The guidelines, which promote respect for all faiths, refrain from imposing religious traditions on students of different faiths, advocate for the establishment of inter-religious prayer rooms, and encourage the celebration of significant religious festivals, have been well-received by the group.
Although the CBCI did not specify the challenges prompting the guidelines, they follow previous issues raised by right-wing groups regarding the operations of missionary-run institutions.
President of KSP, Satya Ranjan Borah, lauded the CBCI’s stance on limiting exclusive Christian practices within schools. Borah highlighted additional requests, including the removal of churches from school premises, the promotion of a genuine understanding of Indian culture, and the encouragement of local languages and customs.
Previously, KSP issued a 15-day ultimatum to missionary-run educational institutes in Assam, demanding clarity on various issues, including the wearing of religious garments by staff, the erection of religious symbols, and the construction of religious structures within school premises.
In a similar incident in Tripura, two right-wing groups attempted to host Saraswati Puja in a missionary school, prompting the school principal to seek administrative protection against the unauthorized event.
Borah emphasized that while KSP has no objections to Christianity, they oppose what they perceive as the undue promotion of religion by Christian missionaries under the guise of education. He emphasized the importance of separating religion from education in accordance with India’s constitutional values, urging compliance with Article 51(A) of the Constitution, which emphasizes national duties such as transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities, and preserving India’s composite culture.
Additionally, the CBCI released supplementary guidelines suggesting the hiring of diverse teachers, promoting religious and cultural sensitivity, encouraging students to recite the Preamble to the Indian Constitution during daily assemblies, and displaying the Preamble at the main entrance of school buildings.
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