Hyderabad, India – A principal of a school in Hyderabad, India, recently found himself at the center of a violent attack orchestrated by a mob of people wearing saffron clothes. Father Jaison Joseph, head of the school run by the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, recounted the harrowing experience to sources on April 20.
According to Joseph, the incident began when he encountered students wearing saffron clothes instead of their designated school uniforms. He promptly instructed them to change or have their parents explain the situation. However, the situation quickly escalated as more people in saffron attire arrived, eventually gathering over 500 individuals, who proceeded to assault him. The mob forcefully placed a saffron shawl around his neck and applied tilak – a saffron paste – on his forehead.
Disturbing footage captured the mob compelling the priest to chant “Jai Sri Ram” (“Hail Lord Ram”) as they wreaked havoc by vandalizing the school premises and attacking teachers and staff. Prior to this, the assailants had thrown stones at a statue of St. Teresa of Calcutta located at the school’s entrance, damaging the security office in the process. The school, accommodating more than 1,000 students, has a diverse student body with 80% Hindu, 10% Christian, and 10% Muslim enrollment.
Bishop Prince Antony Panengaden of the Adilabad Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church denounced the incident as a religiously motivated attack involving various political entities. The terrifying episode highlights the growing religious tensions in the region and raises concerns about the safety and security of educational institutions. The community at large is left shaken by the brazen assault on a place of learning and the individuals entrusted with shaping the minds of the future generation.
Efforts are underway to address the fallout from the attack, with local authorities urged to take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by educators and minorities in maintaining a safe and inclusive educational environment amidst rising religious intolerance. As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath, the need for unity, tolerance, and respect for all faiths remains paramount to prevent such atrocities from recurring.