Ramzan: Fasting for Muslims, Forced Tortures for Children of Other Religions.

published on July 31, 2014

Yet another Ramzan is over, and Kerala reminds itself that the state stands a mute and helpless witness to ‘Arabization’ of the land. A looming question arises: where has this festival left members of the other community? Forced starvation on numerous children who were non-Muslims, change of study timings etc are some of the changes brought about by the education department that is now the sole monopoly of IUML. Their intention of ushering in Arab culture and practices is quite evident with the special sanction given to state education department to implement practices akin to those being observed in Arab nations.

Middle East countries have made it mandatory that students of all communities will have to forgo their food in the afternoon, when Muslim children observe the Ramzan fast. The same is now being made law in Malabar, with the blessings of those in power. Schools in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargode witnessed curtains down on the scheme, which has infinitely traumatized non-Muslim children.

With Ramzan, the mid-day meal scheme in Malabar government schools was brought to a close. Along with this, specifications in the school calendar were overlooked and school timings were also changed from the normal course of 10.00 am – 4.00pm to the afternoon session.

According to central government scheme, mid-day meal is a compulsory part of all government and aided schools. This was implemented for all students irrespective of religion, caste or creed. However, with Ramzan fasting season, the mid-day meal scheme witnessed a drastic change in schools in Malabar. All schools, where children of various religions also studied, were forced to forfeit the lunch.

According to school authorities and PTA members, this was decided before the season began. Though the move was questioned by many parents, it never yielded result. It was also reported that many parents complained about the move to the minister’s office in the Secretariat. This too was allegedly ignored.

Sources have indicated that there ar schools in places like Thirurangadi, Vengara, Thennala, Manjeri, Peruman, Thanoor, Vanimel etc where schools function according to Muslim calendar. Majority of the students are from the Muslim community. Ramzan season, in these places sees school holidays of an entire month. This year was no different. According to government rules, schools ought to be functioning according to a common educational calendar, with timings being either from 9.00 am- 3.00 pm or 10.00 am- 4.00 pm. This, however, was arbitrarily changed, with classes coming to a halt before noon and Fridays being holidays.

Alarming reports have also poured in from schools in Nadapuram, Kinasseri, Pookunnu, Kodiyathoor, Koombara etc where people radical thoughts have infiltrated into the education system. These people, who have marked their entry into schools in the guise of teachers are said to be enforcing extremist Muslim practices in a stringent manner.Though numerous grievances have been voiced regarding the same, the education department is allegedly taking a stand that is convenient for the extremists.

The state unit of BJP has come out strongly against the forcible fasting in Malabar. State BJP president V Muraleedharan has remarked that such an act is “against law and is communal.”

“The state education department has decided that students of other communities in government schools need not have their lunch during fasting season. Schools do not have any right to change timings of their office functioning. If this is the case, when it comes to festivities and fasting sessions of other religions, concessions will have to be made likewise too, as and when demanded. The changes that have been brought in thus will sabotage the entire education system,”observed Muraleedharan.