The education department in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar has warned schools against forcing students to come to school dressed up as Santa Claus. It has also
been stated that if any school is found in violation of this then strict action will be taken against those involved. "Action will be taken under rules if any school is found forcing students," the order stated. This order was issued by additional district education officer Ashok Wadhwa on December 22, in which Wadhwa warned that schools must not put unnecessary pressure on students or parents to participate in such activities. However, if students are compelled or parents are pressurised, the school management concerned will be held responsible. The order mentioned a representation by the Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch to the district education authorities, alleging that some schools have been compelling children to dress up as Santa Claus in recent years, causing resentment among parents. Wadhwa claimed that since December 25 is celebrated as 'Veer Bal Diwas', schools should ensure that they maintain balance while scheduling their programmes and ensure there is no coercion to stick to one particular festival. He added that since Sriganganagar is predominantly a Hindu-Sikh majority area and no particular tradition should be imposed. However, 'Veer Bal Diwas' (translated into ‘Day of Brave Children') is celebrated on December 26. It is celebrated to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons. It is celebrated to commemorate the brave events that took place at Anandpur Sahib Fort, where Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and disciples, were compelled to flee as the Mughal Army encircled the Anandpur fort. A similar order was issued in Uttar Pradesh, as per local reports, where schools have been ordered to not mark a holiday on Christmas this year. Local reports suggest that as per the order issued by the Basic Education Department to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, coinciding with the conclusion of his birth centenary year. Meanwhile, the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan Ajmer (RBSE) has also announced winter holidays for this year. As per the notice, all schools will be closed in the state from December 25 to January 5. The winter vacations have been announced as cold conditions intensified in Rajasthan on Tuesday and night tempaeratures fell significantly. The department said cold conditions are likely to persist in parts of the state, with shallow to dense fog expected in northern districts during early morning hours.
