Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 1: Former president of the All-India Christian Federation Alwyn D’Souza Panir has objected to Sri Rama Sene national president Pramod Muthalik’s statements regarding Dasara holidays in Christian convent schools.
D’Souza said school holidays are determined by academic schedules, government regulations and the rules of respective education boards, and urged Muthalik to understand these aspects before turning the issue into a religious matter.
D’Souza said many Hindu students study in Christian educational institutions and that parents often choose such schools for education, discipline and academic standards. He challenged Muthalik to provide clear and verifiable evidence for any allegations that students in Christian institutions had been harmed or converted.
He said student admissions and staff appointments are carried out according to the rules of the respective institutions, while schools function within the framework of education department regulations, education board rules and applicable laws.
“If any particular school has violated the rules, a complaint should be submitted to the concerned department with documentary evidence and legal action should be sought. Threatening protests outside schools is not the appropriate approach,” he said.
D’Souza further appealed for restraint in statements concerning Christian organisations, educational institutions and festivals, saying that remarks that create suspicion or hostility among Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities would not serve society.
He urged Muthalik to focus on constructive issues such as education, employment, welfare of the poor, the future of youth, drug control and women’s safety rather than targeting educational institutions based on religion.
D’Souza also called on authorities to investigate any school found violating government regulations and take legal action if violations are established. He urged the authorities to act appropriately against statements or activities that could affect peace and communal harmony.
Muthalik had recently objected to some Christian schools allegedly conducting classes and examinations during the Dasara holiday period and warned of protests if the practice continued. Karnataka’s 2026-27 academic calendar provides a Dasara break from October 3 to 21.