Archdiocesan schools to boycott ‘Unity Run’ (Herald)

December 15, 2013 PANJIM: Highlighting the cracks that are said to have appeared after the initial bonhomie, before and during the last assembly elections, schools run by the Archdiocesan Board of Education will boycott the ‘Statue of Unity’ run. Arguing that the Church and its institutions have high regard and respect for Sardar Vallabhai Patel and State Chief Minister and Education Minister Manohar Parrikar, the ABE has taken strong objections to projection of other national level politicians in the name of Unity and the conduct of the ‘Statue of Unity’ run, dealing a blow to the event that was billed as a show of strength by the BJP leadership. A day before the Statue of Unity Run, organized in the 11 talukas of the State on December 15, the ABE has issued directions that its institutions should not take part on the grounds that it would not support events projecting political party leaders. The Unity Run is being organized across the State in all 11 talukas at 8 am on Sunday (today) and is supported by the education ministry and government. Organised by the Vallabhai Patel Rashtriya Trust formed in Gujarat, it appears that the projection of Modi, even more than Sardar Patel, has irked several managements of educational institutions who sent out messages here on Saturday calling for a boycott of the event. The ABE has hit out very strongly at the education department after it received circulars issued by Director Anil Powar, for the use of the Bal Rath and thereafter directing all heads of institutions to ensure participation of students, staff and non-teaching staff in the Unity Run. This is the second time that ABE has spoken out against the alleged ‘saffronization of education and involvement of the education ministry in politically backed events, where educational institutions have been issued instructions to participate in the same. “We are not against the event,” said a top ABE official adding that the projection of political leaders in the name of unity is not acceptable. Another Principal of an ABE institution said, “Gujarat need not teach us lessons on Unity, as Goa is a State which can give lessons in Unity to the rest of the country.” Friday the NCP, Goa unit also lambasted the education department for getting involved in politically backed events, citing the Unity Run as the second attempt at allegedly saffronizing education in the State of Goa. The first was on the essay contest for school children on Lord Macaulay’s address in British Parliament, by a RSS backed organization. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Archdiocesan-schools-to-boycott-lsquo-Unity-Run-rsquo/83222.html