June 30, 2025

In a heartwarming move towards communal harmony, a primary school in West Bengal's East Burdwan district decided to put an end to the outdated practice of segregating Hindu and Muslim students during mid-day meals. The Kishoriganj Manmohanpur Primary School, with approximately 70 students in classes one to five, used to employ two cooks – one for each community. The cooks would operate in separate sections of the kitchen, divided by a one-foot-high wall. However, Tapas Ghosh, the school's headmaster, who became aware of this practice in 2024 upon joining the school, was determined to change this divisive norm. Despite the sensitivity of the issue, Ghosh slowly worked towards the abolition of this discriminatory practice, emphasizing the importance of unity among the students. After discussions with school authorities and community members, including officials from the local police station, block administration, and panchayat, it was unanimously agreed to cook and serve meals using the same utensils for all students. This marked a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and eradicating communal divisions within the school. The decision was widely praised for promoting equality and mutual respect among students from diverse backgrounds. Shubham Aggarwal, the Kalna sub-divisional officer, commended the school's proactive approach in addressing the issue and ensuring that all children could dine together without any prejudice or discrimination. However, the move also sparked political debates, with the BJP citing concerns about schools succumbing to demands for halal meat, while the TMC accused the BJP of sowing seeds of communal discord. Despite differing political perspectives, the overarching sentiment reflected a growing realization of the importance of unity and inclusiveness in educational institutions. By prioritizing harmony over division, the school set a powerful example for embracing diversity and fostering a culture of togetherness among its students.

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Tags: School, Communal harmony, Mid-day meals, West bengal,