School for Riot Victims Breaks Religious Barriers in Muzaffarnagar

Sir Syed National School in Muzaffarnagar was established for riot victims and has become a symbol of unity.

Sir Syed National School initially enrolled students from the Muslim community only, but 12 Hindu students joined them this year.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar

A school established for Muzaffarnagar riot-victims two years ago is breaking religious barriers as it has now started admitting Hindu students. Initially formed for Muslim students, the riot-torn town’s Sir Syed National School has enrolled 12 Hindu students this year.

With a strength of 300 students, the school not only boasts of CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi internet service, but is also equipped with a computer lab, a library and even a mineral water dispenser.

Eights female teachers from different states and cities of the country teach from 7 am to 12:30 pm in the school, which also provides transport arrangements for its students.

Raziya Naseem is one such teacher who has left her family back in Delhi, in order to bring positive change in the lives of children.

The children here come from diverse backgrounds and have a lot to learn, which is why I seized the opportunity of teaching them as soon as I heard about it. Initially, they were weak in studies but have now shown improvement. Muslim and Hindus students study together and the best part is that no parent has ever raised any objection about it.

Raziya Naseem, Teacher

Principal Danya Riaz says that the school was established by an organisation, which wanted to help the children of Muslims affected by the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

We then decided to take in Hindu students too. Here, Hindu students are taught moral science while the Quran is taught to Muslim students.

Danya Riaz, Principal

The school also runs AICU (academic intensive care unit) classes for students who lag behind in studies. These classes take place twice a day and not more than 8-10 students are accommodated in one class.

Since this school is located in a rural area, we have many illiterate parents who do not understand homework or even the curriculum. But it’s good to see how encouraging they are.

Danya Riaz, Principal