A school examination paper in Chhattisgarh has ignited a significant political and social controversy after one of its questions included the name 'Ram' as a suggested option for naming a dog. The incident, which occurred in the Durg district, has drawn sharp condemnation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and sparked demands for strict action against those responsible.
The Controversial Question Paper
The row centers on a question paper for a half-yearly examination administered to Class 5 students at a government school located in Kumhari, within the Durg district. The problematic question was part of the English subject paper. It presented students with a scenario where they had to choose a name for a pet dog, listing several options. Among names like 'Tommy' and 'Sheru', the revered name 'Shri Ram' was included as a choice.
This inclusion was immediately perceived as highly disrespectful and offensive by many in the community. The name 'Ram' holds profound religious and cultural significance for millions of Hindus, and its presentation as a potential moniker for a dog was seen as a blatant insult.
Political Backlash and Protests
The controversy swiftly escalated to the political arena. Local Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Durg District BJP President Vijay Baghel, took strong objection to the question. They staged a protest outside the school, demanding accountability for what they termed an "objectionable" and "insulting" act.
The protesting leaders submitted a formal complaint to the Block Education Officer (BEO), calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. Their primary demand was the identification and punishment of the teacher or committee responsible for setting the question paper. They argued that such content not only hurt religious sentiments but also reflected poorly on the standards of educational material in government schools.
Official Response and Investigation
Following the uproar, education officials have initiated a probe. The Block Education Officer has confirmed receiving the complaint and assured that the matter is being taken seriously. The investigation aims to trace the origin of the question—whether it was set by a single teacher, vetted by a committee, or sourced from external material.
The school authorities and the education department are now under pressure to take disciplinary action to prevent such incidents in the future. This event has raised serious questions about the sensitivity and scrutiny applied during the preparation of academic assessments, especially for young students.
The incident in Kumhari is not an isolated one in India's educational landscape, where exam papers have occasionally become flashpoints for cultural and religious sensitivities. It underscores the need for rigorous checks and balances in curriculum design and question paper setting to ensure content is both educationally sound and culturally respectful.
