Christian Schools Defend Holiday Policy Amid Protests in Dharwad

Christian educational institutions in Dharwad have come under the spotlight after members of the Sri Ram Sene staged protests, accusing the schools of violating government rules by adjusting Dasara holidays to coincide with Christmas celebrations.

The Controversy

The protestors alleged that the schools were disregarding official holiday calendars by shifting the schedule of the state-declared Dasara break. They demanded the withdrawal of government aid to the schools, arguing that such practices were discriminatory and undermined cultural traditions.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the activists staged demonstrations in front of several Christian-run institutions in the city, calling for strict action from the state education department.

Schools Respond

In response, a delegation representing Christian educational institutions submitted a memorandum to the district administration, asserting that the practice of rescheduling the holidays was neither new nor illegal.

“This adjustment has been followed for nearly 40 years with the consent of parents and the education authorities. The aim is to allow students and staff to celebrate Christmas with their families while ensuring the required number of working days is maintained,”
said a spokesperson for the delegation.

They further emphasized that the academic calendar remained unaffected and that students of all communities continued to benefit from quality education without any religious bias.

Government’s Position

District education officials confirmed receipt of the memorandum and said they would review the matter before issuing any directives. Sources in the education department indicated that similar practices exist in some minority-run institutions across the state, often approved at the local administrative level to accommodate cultural or religious needs.

Community Reactions

• Parents’ Associations largely supported the schools, pointing out that the tradition was well-known and had never disrupted academic schedules.

• Some local organizations echoed the protesters’ concerns, urging the government to issue a uniform holiday calendar for all schools to avoid future controversies.

Broader Implications

The incident has sparked a wider debate on the rights of minority institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions.

Legal experts note that unless there is evidence of academic harm or violation of specific state education laws, minority institutions generally enjoy administrative autonomy in such matters.

What’s Next

The district administration is expected to hold a meeting with all stakeholders, including representatives from Christian schools, parent groups, and protestors, before making a final decision on whether the holiday adjustments will continue in future academic years.