'Hurt' by Probe Into Bible-in-School Row: Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado

"Students are not forced to study anything," he said.

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore (AOB), Peter Machado.

(Photo: Facebook)

The archbishop of Bengaluru, Peter Machado, on Thursday, 28 April, said he was "hurt" that the Karnataka government was launching an inquiry into the latest Bible row in the state and clarified that the students "are not forced to study anything."

"We are a little hurt and sad. The school does not want to hide anything. This is a Christian minority institution for the last 100 years. Since it was a Christian school for Christian students, we have had Bible study. But, students are not forced to study anything. Even now, 75% of the students here are Christian. This is the reason why we have had Bible studies, but from last year we've made changes. I feel very hurt. Only this school in Bengaluru has recommended Bible, but an attempt has been made to create an image of all schools," he said.

The Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Bengaluru Urban, J Manjunath, has initiated an inquiry into the Clarence High School for the forceful imposition of Christian religious views on children.

As per a letter by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) dated 25 April to the official, the school allegedly made Bible study mandatory and instructed minors to participate in Christian morning prayers and other religious activities.

As per the statement by the NCPCR, the child rights panel received a complaint against the school on 22 April. The Hindu Jana Jagruti had filed a complaint against the school as well.

Machado further said that he didn't know "if the government itself" was doing it or "some vested groups" were behind this.

"Minister Piyush Goyal studied in Don Bosco, and he made a speech if it wasn't for this school, he wouldn't be where he is today. After an attack on Churches, we have had issues. But, there are many Hindus and Muslims who've studied in our school, and they appreciate the values we teach," he added.

Meanwhile, Jaideep George, the Principal of Clarence High School, said, "Clarence is an untainted Christian minority school. We are a privately owned and managed school. In some cases, we've even waived off fees for certain students. Around 75% of our students are Christian. Our students are in the army, navy and other fields. We have given fee concessions to students from middle-class families during COVID."

"As a matter of fact, parents have appreciated us for teaching moral values. Our admission process is also done in accordance with the law. Allegations made over our conduct other than subscribing to our system are only a misinterpretation. We are in conformity with the law of the land and have spoken to our legal team to respond to the notice sent by BEO (Block Education Officer)," he added.

'Cannot Compare Bible, Quran With Bhagavad Gita': Karnataka Education Minister

The state's education minister BC Nagesh had said on Wednesday, 27 April, that religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran could not be compared with the Bhagavad Gita.

"Bible and Quran are religious texts. The book says that whoever believes in the religion must read the respective religious texts. But Bhagavad Gita doesn't speak about religion but speaks only about values needed to lead life," Nagesh was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Nagesh's statement came a day after Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado questioned, "If children are requested to buy books of Bhagavad Gita or other religions, can it be considered as forcing them to be influenced or inducing them to be converted to these particular religions?"

"We cannot compare Bhagavad Gita with other religious books like the Quran and Bible. You can teach about Jesus' life just like Swamy Vivekananda and others but should not impose religious text on students," Nagesh was quoted as saying on Wednesday.