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In a recent development in Rajasthan’s Baran district, a government school teacher, Hemlata Bairwa, has been suspended for allegedly disrespecting Goddess Saraswati during a Republic Day function. The suspension order was issued by Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar, who cited the teacher’s refusal to place Goddess Saraswati’s picture alongside other figures as the reason for the disciplinary action.
The controversy originated during the Republic Day function at a government primary school in Lakdai village, Kishanganj area, where Bairwa teaches. A dispute arose when Bairwa declined to include the picture of Goddess Saraswati on the stage, insisting that the goddess had made no significant contribution to education. The local villagers, however, advocated for the inclusion of Saraswati’s picture alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
Addressing a public gathering during his tour, Minister Dilawar expressed strong disapproval of those questioning the significance of Goddess Saraswati in the school. He promptly announced the suspension of any individual making such statements. Subsequently, the district education (elementary) officer in Baran issued the suspension order for Hemlata Bairwa.
The Baran district education department stated that the suspension followed an initial inquiry into the controversy. The teacher was found responsible for allegedly hurting and provoking religious sentiments among the local populace. In light of these findings, the suspension order was issued, and Bairwa was instructed to register her attendance at the directorate of elementary education in Bikaner during the suspension period.
Officials noted that the controversy could have been avoided had the teacher agreed to the locals’ request to include Goddess Saraswati’s picture. Instead, her refusal allegedly escalated the situation, causing unrest during the Republic Day function. The teacher’s actions were deemed as hurting the sentiments of the community.
