A Muslim guest teacher in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh, was forced to publicly apologise and perform sit-ups after Hindu organisations objected to his classroom remarks on religious symbols. The incident, captured on video at Sandipani School in Bistan, has sparked outrage and renewed debate over religious tolerance in educational spaces.
The teacher, Shahrukh Pathan, who teaches Class 2 students, had reportedly advised children not to apply tilak on their foreheads or wear kalawa (sacred threads) on their wrists. Colleagues said his intent was to encourage equality and discourage visible markers of religious identity among students. “He only wanted children to learn the value of fraternity and mutual respect,” a staff member told reporters.
Following complaints from parents, members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj gathered at the school and demanded action. In a widely circulated video, Pathan is seen holding his ears and doing sit-ups as religious slogans were raised. He was also made to submit a written apology.
The organisations further pressed the school principal, Balram Bhanwar, to act against the teacher. One of their leaders argued, “Children from all communities study here. This kind of instruction hurts sentiments and distances them from tradition.”
Rights advocates, however, criticised the treatment of the teacher. Education activists said his remarks aligned with constitutional values of equality and brotherhood, and that the public humiliation of an educator set a dangerous precedent. “Teachers should not be subjected to coercion or intimidation for their professional conduct,” one activist said. The incident has raised questions about the safety of minority teachers and the ability of schools to function as spaces of inclusion and harmony.
