Karnataka Bible row: Don't need petty politics, says Bengaluru school principal

The principal of Clarence High School — which recently mandated teaching of Bible — has lashed out at, what he called, "petty politics" around the controversy.

Jerry George, principal of Clarence High School, has slammed “petty politics” being played around the Bible controversy surrounding the in Karnataka's Bengaluru.

“We don't need petty politics here. We are recognised as a privately owned and managed Christian minority institution. Around 75% of our students are Christians. This is the reason for Bible studies. Every candidate is well informed [about rules and regulations] before admission,” he said.

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His comments came after a controversy unfolded when the school took an undertaking from parents that they would not object to their wards carrying the holy book Bible to school premises. The new directive drew sharp reactions from certain right-wing groups that called it a violation of the Karnataka Education Act.

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore Peter Machado said: “Only this school in Bengaluru has recommended Bible but an attempt has been made to create an image of all schools,” he said.

Karnataka Education Minister BC Nagesh asked people not to mix the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible. “The Bhagavad Gita is not a religious book. It does not talk about religious practices. It does not tell how to do Prarthana [prayers]. Basically, it is above all. We are ready to include anything in moral science that will improve the morale of students,” he said.

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