‘Missed Independence Day? Go to Pakistan:’ Thrissur school owner’s remarks spark controversy

'Missed Independence Day? Go to Pakistan: ' Thrissur school owner's remarks spark controversy Parents question branding of absent students as 'anti-national; ' SFI takes out protest march against school management.

Key points

• Pakistan to honour two Indian doctors: What is Nishan-e-Imtiaz?
• According to the messages, students who remained absent from the Independence Day celebrations were portrayed as lacking in patriotism.
• The school management had earlier informed students that attendance at the Independence Day celebrations was compulsory.
• "Can a child who could not attend the school's Independence Day programme for some reason be branded as anti-national?" parents asked.
• He remarked he had referred to Pakistan as it was "India's enemy country" and asserted that nobody needed to teach him concerning patriotism or secularism.

Controversy has erupted over the alleged remarks by the owner of Dr. Raju Davis International School, Mala, Thrissur in Kerala. This person reportedly informed students who did not attend an Independence Day programme organised at the school to "go to Pakistan."

In practice, the remarks, allegedly created by school owner Raju Davis in a voice note shared in a WhatsApp group of parents, have drawn robust criticism from parents and the public. Pakistan to honour two Indian doctors: What is Nishan-e-Imtiaz?

According to the messages, students who remained absent from the Independence Day celebrations were portrayed as lacking in patriotism. Mr. Davis reportedly cautioned that students who did not attend the programme would not be allowed to attend classes.

Notably, the school management had earlier informed students that attendance at the Independence Day celebrations was compulsory. Nevertheless, parents stated a number of students could not attend for various reasons and questioned the remarks of the owner equating absence from a school function with a lack of patriotism.

After the controversy, Mr. Davis reportedly issued another message defending his remarks. He remarked he had referred to Pakistan as it was "India's enemy country" and asserted that nobody needed to teach him concerning patriotism or secularism.

In a voice message, he reportedly remarked that staying at home while the country was celebrating Independence Day was unacceptable and that those who did so should not live in India. He additionally allegedly criticised parents, saying their children were becoming "defiant and arrogant" as they were not being created to participate in such functions.

In practice, the matter additionally prompted the Students Federation of India (SFI) Mala area committee to take out a protest march to the school, condemning the alleged remarks and demanding action against the school management.

Afterwards when the remarks became controversial, Mr. Davis expressed regret, saying he was sorry if his comments had hurt anyone. He clarified that his remarks were not intended to hurt or offend anyone.

In short, 'Missed Independence Day? Go to Pakistan: ' Thrissur school owner's remarks spark controversy is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.