Gujarat school depicts 'burqa-clad women' as terrorists in Independence Day play; sparks row

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Primary School, an all-girls school in Gujarat's Bhavnagar has come under severe scrutiny for depicting burqa-clad women as ‘terrorists’ in their Independence Day programme, sparking complaints of communal stereotyping in schools.

According to a report by the Indian Express, videos of the cultural programme on social media prompted a social organisation called Bandharan Bachav Samiti Bhavnagar to file a complaint.

They alleged that the play “depicted the Muslim community as terrorists” and demanded stern action against the “teachers behind the play”.

Acting upon the complaint, Bhavnagar District Education Officer (DEO) Hitendrasinh D Padheriya issued a notice to Bhavnagar Municipal School Board Administrative Officer (AO) Munjal Badmaliya, giving them 7 days to send a factual report regarding the programme.

The DEO demanded to know the every detail of the function and asked whether the representation in the programme was intentional or unintentional.

Bandharan Bachav Samiti said the the teacher who came up with the storyline for the play has shown their 'criminal mentality'.

According to the organisation, the storyline of the play included Kashmiri pilgrims, the Indian Army and terrorists.

"In the play, girls dressed in Muslim attire (burqa) were shown as terrorists, clearly depicting the Muslim community as terrorists,” Bandharan Bachav Samiti said.

Jehurbhai Hussainbhai Jeja, the president of Bandharan Bachav Samiti gave statement to the English daily demanding that anyone in the staff who is behind the play should be suspended and strict legal action should be taken.

Administrative Officer, Munjal Badmaliya, said, “The cultural programmes are held every year on January 26 and August 15. This year it was themed on Operation Sindoor and the bravery of our defence forces, and programmes were held in every school. Nothing was intentional or deliberate. We will submit our response to the notice.”