Gadag: Essay on Prophet in govt school kicks up row, probe ordered

The Karnataka Education Department has ordered a probe after a government school in Gadag district allegedly held an essay competition on Prophet Muhammad. It was alleged that ‘Islamization’ was being held on school premises.

The incident took place in Government Higher Primary School in Nagavi village. The essay competition was held in the school last week for students by headmaster Abdul Munaf Bijapura, who also announced cash prizes for the winners of the competition.

Members of right-wing outfit Sri Rama Sene, after they got wind of the incident, visited the school premises on Tuesday and heckled the headmaster. The picketers also allegedly hurled abuses at him.

The members of the outfit also alleged that ‘religious conversion’ was taking place in the school. Slogans were also raised against the headmaster. The outfit members left the premises after the police arrived and pacified them.

One parent said that book, which was given to students, only mentioned conversion to Islam.

“The book which was given to my son mentioned Islam conversion. We want to know who were the ones who would give the prize money. If the book had also mentioned other religions, I wouldn’t have had any problems. But it explicitly mentioned Islam religion,” Sharanappagouda, whose son studies in Class 9, said.

Munaf Bijapura, the headmaster, said that he had no untoward intention.

“The allegations have pained me. All of us have to live together peacefully. I never dreamt that I would face a situation like this. You can ask the villagers. If anyone says that I am a bad person or have bad intentions. I will leave this school. I have already apologised to officials and protesters,” Bijapura said.

Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) of Gadag and Panchayat Chief Executive Officer visited the school premises after protests by Sri Rama Sene.

They held a meeting with authorities and said that a report will be submitted after ascertaining all the facts in the incident. 

(With inputs from TV9 Kannada)