Teacher dismissed after describing Mahabharat and Ramayan as "imaginary"

A teacher from St Gerosa English HR Primary School in Mangaluru, Karnataka, faced dismissal following protests by a right-wing group, backed by BJP MLA Vedyas Kamath.

The group claimed that the teacher had conveyed to students that the Mahabharat and the Ramayan were "imaginary" and had also made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The teacher allegedly made references to the 2002 Godhra riots and the Bilkis Bano gang rape case while criticising PM Modi. The group filed a complaint, accusing her of attempting to "induce feelings of hatred in the minds of children."

Protests ensued, and BJP MLA Vedyas Kamath joined the demonstrators, demanding the suspension of the teacher. Kamath questioned the school's moral stance, stating, "If you are going to support that kind of teacher, what has happened to your moral compass?"

The parents of the students claimed that the teacher, who was dismissed by the school over the alleged remarks, taught class 7 students that Lord Ram was a "mythical creature."

The Deputy Director of Public Instructions (DDPI) is currently investigating the case. The school, with a 60-year history, expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging a temporary mistrust but hoping to rebuild trust for a better future for the students.

As of now, no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the teacher.