A controversial video has surfaced from a school in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar where a seven-year-old Muslim boy is subjected to abuse and humiliation for not completing the homework. Under the appalling instructions of their teacher Tripta Tyagi, the boy’s fellow classmates slap him one by one. The talking point of this incident is that the teacher, entrusted with the care and education of these impressionable minds, spewed hurtful words targeting the boy’s faith. The use of derogatory language like “Mohammedan children” adds a layer of controversy to an already distressing situation.
The video was widely circulated on social media, including by prominent opposition figure Asaduddin Owaisi. They highlighted that a significant portion of India’s population has taken on characteristics reminiscent of the Nazi ideology due to the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The incident is indeed troubling and serves as an illustration of individual prejudice against those from different backgrounds. However, the situation seems to have been magnified beyond its actual scope. Rather than focusing on addressing the issue at hand, the incident is being exploited to advance a political agenda. This is where the opposition’s approach goes astray. This is because the matter is essentially a social concern, rather than a political one.
Indian Muslims are facing the same persecution & discrimination as Jews faced in 1930s ,will it lead to Kristallnacht? Hope not https://t.co/XG7Zt3pEtf
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) August 26, 2023
Also read: Feel free to hit my child—Indian parents’ ground rule for good education. Toxic teachers oblige
Not just about one community
It’s important to recognise that instances of discrimination are not limited to a single group or community. Similar instances of bias can also be found when Hindus are in minority within a certain locality in India or when an individual Muslim with prejudiced views against Hindus holds a position of influence. For example, the case of a child being severely assaulted in Jammu by a Muslim teacher for allegedly writing ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on the blackboard. These examples underscore that prejudice can manifest in various forms and across different groups.
When a negative incident involving a Muslim child occurs, it often leads to unwarranted blame being cast on the entire majority population of India, creating unjust generalisation. On the other hand, incidents like the one in Jammu are portrayed as the action of a single prejudiced individual, avoiding a broader examination of the issue. This kind of selective treatment can contribute to further societal divisions.
We have observed a similar scenario in discussions about ‘secularism’. A section of well-intentioned Indians, who believe in the concept of secularism, have begun to perceive it as a way to cater to a particular community’s interests. Muslims should also recognise that if they desire fairness from other communities, they must also exhibit it themselves. When engaging in conversations about discrimination, it’s important to avoid harbouring animosity toward the majority group and acknowledge the intricate nature of these matters.
When leaders like Owaisi exploit such incidents to instil suspicion among Muslims towards the state and ruling party leaders, they effectively create a scenario where Muslims might only trust a fellow Muslim in a position of authority to ensure fair treatment. This strategy enhances the power of leaders like him within the Muslim community. However, this victimisation approach also results in isolating Muslims from the broader societal mainstream. Consequently, young Muslim individuals might be inclined towards choosing madrasas over traditional schools, which conveniently serves the interest of those who aim to manipulate the Muslim population for political gains and use them as mere vote banks.
This strategy carries profound consequences. By magnifying isolated incidents and then using them to paint the entire majority community with a single brush, these leaders cleverly sidestep accountability. They find security in their position by appealing to the Muslim vote bank, shielded from facing the tough questions about education, employment, and holistic progress. The city of Hyderabad provides a stark illustration. Despite Telangana boasting a mere six per cent poverty rate, Owaisi’s constituency shelters an astonishing 23 per cent of India’s urban poor. Yet, curiously, we seldom hear Owaisi address these critical issues.
Better disciplinary measures
The most significant lesson to draw from the Muzaffarnagar school incident should have been regarding the issue of corporal punishment. Although the Government of India officially banned the practice in 2010, this rule does not extend to actions taken within homes. Unfortunately, corporal punishment remains prevalent in Indian schools, particularly in rural areas. The Muzaffarnagar incident sheds light on the normalisation of a mindset that approves the use of physical force to discipline children, not only among teachers but also within certain segments of society.
This unsettling trend is not limited to isolated cases. Disturbing incidents of this nature have even been reported in the national capital, Delhi. In one instance, a primary school teacher was apprehended for assaulting a Class 5 student with a pair of scissors and subsequently throwing her off from the first floor. These incidents underscore the urgency of addressing the persisting issue of corporal punishment and re-evaluating our approach to discipline and child safety in educational environments.
The Uttar Pradesh government has chosen to shut down the private school in question, a decision that echoes their tendency to prioritise their own political gains at the expense of national interests. This move might be driven by political motives, aimed at projecting an illusion of control and effective governance. However, this strategy comes at a significant cost to the nation’s well-being. India is in need of robust institutions of justice rather than relying solely on punitive measures that can sometimes be disproportionate. While such instances of immediate justice might temporarily appease the public, in the long run, they pave the way for the government to wield authority without adhering to proper procedural checks.
Also read: Cameras, chocolate, compromise—Muzaffarnagar Muslim boy is forced to repeat his story to everyone
Lack of infrastructure
It’s truly disheartening to acknowledge yet another reality that often remains unspoken. The scarcity of proper infrastructure and educational facilities in remote areas. This forces parents into a corner, where they have no choice but to endure the unprofessional conduct of certain school teachers. This painful truth echoes in the incident at hand. Many parents bravely opened up to journalists, revealing that government schools were already bursting at the seams, leaving them with no alternative but to entrust their children to the only available private school in their vicinity.
As India aims for the stars, nurturing dreams and aspirations that reach even the cosmos, we mustn’t overlook the vast segment of our population that requires a helping hand to grasp onto this shared vision. It’s a poignant reminder that progress should be inclusive, ensuring that every child, regardless of their location, can access quality education and a nurturing environment.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist and TV news panelist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)