A controversy has emerged at Success School in the Saidabad area of Hyderabad after allegations were made by the parents of a Class 2 Hindu student. They claimed that their six-year-old child was assigned Islamic prayers as part of their homework. This has led to demands for accountability from the school management regarding the incident.

According to the family, the child’s homework diary contained instructions to “Read Kalma 1 and 2” and “Read Fatiha,” both significant aspects of Islamic faith. Upon realising these entries, the parents approached the school management for clarification on the assignment.

The parents have sought stringent action against the school, arguing that it is inappropriate for their child to be asked to engage in a practice associated with a different religion. They have also requested an inquiry from the Education Department to determine if this instruction was given to other students.

Family’s Concerns and Claims of Previous Incidents

A relative of the student reported that she discovered the homework while reviewing the child’s diary after school. She expressed her shock upon seeing the religious assignments. She questioned why such practices were assigned to a young child, emphasising that schools should focus on providing quality education rather than religious instruction.

The relative mentioned that a similar instruction had appeared in the diary previously but had been crossed out, which she initially disregarded. “If this had happened once by mistake, we might have ignored it, but finding it again was concerning,” she stated.

In her confrontation with the school principal, the relative claimed she was initially informed that the recitation was a compulsory religious practice for all students. She later reported that the explanation shifted to a claim of error when the teacher involved was approached, raising doubts over the legitimacy of the school’s rationale.

Call for Investigation and School’s Silence

The relative insisted that a thorough review is necessary, arguing that numerous children might have been given similar assignments, which could lead to widespread concerns. She expressed worries about the implications of these practices, especially if they deviated from the faith of the students and were presented as normal assignments.

“An investigation by the Education Department and relevant authorities is essential. Given that Success School operates several branches, it is vital to understand the extent of these practices across the institution,” she said. She mentioned the importance of transparency, as parents might unknowingly accept such assignments without questioning them.

The family emphasised that the issue represents potential indoctrination, claiming that children should not be exposed to teachings that conflict with their beliefs. Although they have raised these concerns, the school management has yet to publicly address the allegations surrounding the incident.

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