Doda teacher in soup for motivating schoolkids to sing National Anthem

AGovernment schoolteacher posted in remote Doda district of Jammu region has landed himself in big trouble after he motivated the schoolchildren to sing National Anthem during morning prayers in the school premises. The practice of singing National Anthem was not in vogue in majority of Government schools in the erstwhile Doda district when militancy was at its peak. 

But with situation returning to normalcy across the region many Government and private schools have started organising morning prayers and sing National Anthem before dispersing.But in case of Bhanu Pratap Singh, Physical Education Master of Government Higher Secondary School Bhagwah the practice of singing National Anthem and motivating children to do so has won him more enemies than friends in the communally sensitive region.

Following a complaint against him by the majority of schoolteachers District Development Commissioner, Doda Bhupinder Kumar has issued him a show cause notice to explain his position within next five days failing which appropriate action as warranted under law would be initiated against him.

Speaking to The Pioneer, Bhanu Pratap Singh said, “I am being targeted by the majority of schoolteachers for starting the practice of singing National Anthem in the morning prayers”. 

He said for last two years the schoolteachers were not allowing the schoolchildren to sing National Anthem. On August 15, when we organised a flag hoisting ceremony and invited officers of ten Rashtriya Rifles our schoolchildren participated in the programme and also sang National Anthem. “For next two days children sang National Anthem but some senior schoolteachers objected to it and prevented children from singing the same”.

Singh said, “On August 18 large number of students of GHSS, Bhagwah took out a protest march covering around 15 kms on foot to reach office of the Deputy Commissioner where they held a peaceful demonstration seeking action against the teachers who had allegedly prevented school children from singing National Anthem in the school”.

He said instead of appreciating my contribution i was held responsible by the majority of school staff for motivating the students to take out a protest march. They even filed a complaint with the local SHO to register FIR against me. later, under pressure from the local people a high level inquiry was also ordered by the DC, Doda  to ascertain the facts in the sensitive matter. Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Vaibhav Kohli after conducting the inquiry has submitted his report. Acting on the report DC, Doda Bhupinder Kumar told The Pioneer, a showcause notice has been served to Bhanu Pratap Singh to explain his position. When asked whether any action has been initiated against those who prevented school children from singing National Anthem, DC Doda claimed i cannot disclose the identity of those teachers adding a show cause notice has been served to one of the teachers as well.