New Delhi: A video showing Hindu students performing a dance performance to Bhojpuri and Bollywood songs while wearing burqas during an Independence Day celebration in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda has sparked controversy.
The performance has drawn criticism from members of both Hindu and Muslim communities, with questions being raised about the institution’s decision to include it in its Independence Day programme.
In the video, four students can be seen wearing burqas and dancing to Bhojpuri songs, including ‘Choliya Ke Hook Raja Ji’. The programme was organised at Knowledge Beam Academy in Ausani Bujurg, Gonda, on Independence Day.
Education department orders probe
“This matter came to my attention via social media. I have spoken with the Special Education Officer regarding this incident, which occurred on Independence Day. I am thoroughly examining the video and having it investigated. Once the inquiry is complete, appropriate departmental action will be taken against those responsible,” Basic Education Officer of Gonda, Amit Kumar Singh, said. He has also ordered an investigation into the matter.
The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Khondare police station.
School manager apologises
As the controversy escalated, the school manager issued an apology and posted a video addressing the performance.
“I am the manager, Ram Suresh Maurya. A video from my school has gone viral in which some girls can be seen dancing while wearing veils (naqab). There are no Muslim girls among them; all of the girls are Hindu. If this has hurt the sentiments of any community, I sincerely apologise,” Maurya said.
“The only intention behind the girls’ performance was to entertain the audience. If it has hurt the sentiments of any community, we apologise,” he added.
‘Musalmano ko badnam karna’
The video also triggered criticism on social media, with users questioning why the students had been asked to wear burqas for the performance.
“Musalmano ko badnam karne aur nicha dikhane ke liye Gonda mein Hindu ladkiyon ko burqa pehnakar Bhojpuri gaane par dance karwaya,” an Instagram user wrote, alleging that the act was intended to defame and demean Muslims.
“Who made them do this? There should be an investigation into it. There must be even more behind this,” another user wrote on X.
(Edited by Maryam Hassan)