VHP Demands Saraswati Puja at Catholic school in Tripura

Dharmanagar (North Tripura), Jan 23:

Tension prevailed at Sakhaibari Holy Cross Convent School in Dharmanagar on Thursday after activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a demonstration demanding permission to organise Saraswati Puja on the school premises.

According to VHP leaders, more than 70 per cent of the students enrolled at the institution belong to the Hindu community and wish to observe the festival, which holds religious and cultural significance. The organisation maintained that the demand was raised in the interest of respecting students’ faith and traditions and was not intended to create religious division.

However, the school authorities denied the request, citing the institutional regulations of the Holy Cross educational network, which do not permit the conduct of religious rituals of any denomination within school campuses. The management stated that the rule has been in force since the establishment of the institution and is applied uniformly.

As protests intensified outside the school gate, police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident and to maintain law and order in the area.

In view of the evolving situation, the school administration suspended classes for the day as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. A meeting of guardians was convened on the campus to explain the school’s position and to seek a peaceful resolution.

During the meeting, emotions ran high as a section of guardians supported the demand for conducting Saraswati Puja within the premises. The situation escalated when some guardians allegedly gheraoed the principal, following which VHP activists also joined the protest inside the campus.

Police intervened promptly and brought the situation under control. No injuries were reported, and the situation was later stabilised through discussions involving the administration and local authorities.

The VHP reiterated its demand that Saraswati Puja be allowed on Basant Panchami, stating that the day holds special religious significance. The organisation insisted that the observance would be peaceful and student-led.

School authorities, however, maintained that while they respect all faiths, they are bound by institutional policies that prohibit religious functions on campus. They appealed for understanding and dialogue, emphasising that the decision was administrative rather than religious in nature.

The incident has triggered widespread discussion across Dharmanagar, highlighting the sensitive balance between institutional autonomy, religious sentiments and administrative responsibility in educational institutions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while further discussions between stakeholders are expected in the coming days to prevent escalation and ensure harmony within the school community.

By Catholic Connect Reporter