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by Anupam Chakravartty
The Indian Express Posted: Thu Dec 23 2010, 00:17 hrs Vadodara:
A Rajpipla-based English medium school’s decision to host a New Year eve function has run into rough weather with the local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) unit sending it a letter saying that New Year celebration is against Hindu culture.
G S L English Medium School is now reconsidering its plans. VHP secretary Nimish Tailor told The Indian Express that they had faxed a copy of the letter to the state Education Minister too.
“The school is organising a party for the children on New Year’s eve, which is against our culture. We are Hindus and we follow the Hindu calendar. Why couldn’t they organise something during Diwali?” said Tailor.
School administrator J D Patel said: “We celebrate all festivals with equal fervour. But if there is a demand from the local VHP unit, we will reconsider our plans.”
School principal N K Mishra said they have invited renowned singer Lata Kanitkar from Vadodara on December 31. Besides, the students will put up a folk dance performance at the event.
“I feel I follow the Hindu religion more than those who are demanding the cancellation of this programme,” said Mishra.
The school follows the Gujarat education board curriculum and imparts schooling from Class I to X. Narmada district education officials refused to comment, saying it was a private school.
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