Rajasthan: FIR Against Dalit Teacher for Elevating Savitri over Saraswati, as 'Goddess of Education'
Geetha Sunil Pillai, Abdul Mahir | 28 January 2024 | The Mooknayak
Bara- In a defiant stand against conventional norms, Hemlata Bairwa, a government school teacher, has ignited a social media storm with her bold assertion that "Savitri Bhai Phule, and not Saraswati, is the Goddess of education." This resolute stand has thrust her into the spotlight after she courageously faced dissent from a group of men at Government School Lakdai in Nahargarh, Rajasthan, during a Republic Day celebration on January 26. Bairwa's perspective has garnered widespread attention, prompting vocal support from numerous members of the Dalit community. Simultaneously, it has triggered a backlash from right-wing factions, who perceive it as an affront to their religious sentiments, leading to fervent calls for legal action. The incident has culminated in the filing of cross FIRs by both parties, and local police are now earnestly investigating the matter.