RSS Group Barges into Hubli Convent School, Demands Immediate Dasara Holiday
Hubli, Karnataka, September 24, 2025 – A group allegedly affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) forcibly entered Sacred Heart Convent School in Keshwapur, Hubli, on Wednesday morning, demanding the immediate closure of the institution to observe the Dasara festival holidays. The incident, occurring at approximately 10:30 AM IST, disrupted normal school activities and has raised significant concerns about religious sensitivities, institutional autonomy, and law and order in Karnataka’s educational landscape.
Incident Details
Eyewitnesses report that around 20-25 individuals, claiming affiliation with the RSS, entered the school premises without prior authorization. The group, led by local activists, insisted that the school suspend classes immediately to honor the ongoing Dasara (also known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami) festival, a major Hindu celebration marking the triumph of good over evil. Karnataka’s academic calendar, set by the Department of Public Instruction, designates September 22 to October 2, 2025, as the official holiday period for Navratri and Durga Puja, with schools scheduled to reopen on October 3. Despite this, the group argued that the school’s operation on September 24 was disrespectful to Hindu traditions.
“They barged into the administrative office, raising slogans and demanding that the school declare a holiday on the spot,” said a teacher, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “The situation was tense, as students and staff were caught off guard. The group claimed that convent schools were ignoring Hindu festivals, which they found unacceptable.”
The school’s management attempted to explain that they were adhering to the state’s holiday schedule, but the confrontation reportedly lasted for nearly an hour. Students were sent to their classrooms for safety, and some parents were called to pick up their children early as a precautionary measure.
Official Response
Local police were alerted by 11:00 AM IST, and a team from the Keshwapur Police Station arrived to de-escalate the situation. “We ensured that the situation remained under control and that no harm came to the students or staff,” said Inspector Ramesh Patil of the Hubli Police Department. “We are in touch with the school management and are investigating the circumstances of the incident. No formal complaint has been lodged yet, but we are prepared to take action if required.”
The District Education Officer, Hubli, also issued a statement reminding all schools to adhere strictly to the state’s holiday calendar. “Any deviation from the prescribed schedule will be addressed as per regulations,” the statement read, without directly referencing the incident.
Historical Context
This is not the first time that RSS or its affiliated organizations have targeted missionary-run schools in Karnataka over cultural or religious issues. In 1998, members of the Bajrang Dal, a youth wing associated with the RSS, stormed several convent schools, including Sacred Heart Convent in Hubli and Cluny Convent in Bangalore. They distributed “commandments” accusing these institutions of promoting Christianity, discouraging Hindu practices (such as wearing bindis or displaying Ganesha idols), and engaging in forced collections. Similar incidents have occurred sporadically since then, often tied to festivals or perceived slights against Hindu traditions.
In 2019, protests erupted across Karnataka when some schools held classes during the Dasara holidays, prompting warnings from the education department and parental agitations. In 2021, RSS members disrupted a child’s naming ceremony in Hubli, alleging it was linked to religious conversions, underscoring the region’s history of communal tensions.
The RSS, a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, holds significant influence in Karnataka and organizes annual Vijayadashami marches in Hubli, as seen in events documented in 2022. These marches, often marked by displays of cultural pride, amplify the organization’s presence during the Dasara season.
Community and Political Reactions
The incident has sparked polarized reactions. Some local residents and parents expressed support for the group’s demands, arguing that schools, regardless of their affiliation, should fully respect Hindu festivals. “Dasara is a time of celebration for our community. Schools should not be open when the entire state is observing the festival,” said Anil Kumar, a parent and local shopkeeper.
Others, however, condemned the group’s actions as intimidation. “Forcing their way into a school and disrupting education is not the way to address grievances,” said Maria D’Souza, a parent whose daughter attends Sacred Heart Convent. “The school follows the government’s holiday schedule. This was unnecessary and frightening for the children.”
Political leaders have treaded cautiously. A spokesperson for the Karnataka Education Ministry declined to comment directly, stating only that “all schools are expected to comply with the state’s academic calendar.” Opposition leaders, meanwhile, called for a thorough investigation. “No group should take the law into their own hands. Schools are places of learning, not confrontation,” said Priya Shetty, a local Congress leader.
Broader Implications
The incident reignites long-standing debates over religious freedom, minority rights, and the role of cultural nationalism in Karnataka’s education system. Christian missionary schools, which have operated in the state for decades, often face scrutiny for their perceived detachment from Hindu cultural practices. Critics of the RSS argue that such actions risk alienating minority communities and undermining the secular fabric of the education system.
Conversely, supporters of the RSS view these interventions as efforts to preserve cultural identity in the face of globalization and missionary influence. The organization’s emphasis on Hindu festivals like Dasara, which includes public celebrations and religious observances, often places pressure on institutions to align with local sentiments.
School’s Response and Next Steps
The management of Sacred Heart Convent School has not issued an official statement but is reportedly working with local authorities to ensure student safety and compliance with holiday regulations. Sources within the school indicate that classes will proceed as per the state’s schedule, with the Dasara holiday already in effect.
As Hubli navigates the festive season, authorities have increased security around educational institutions to prevent further disruptions. Community leaders from both Hindu and Christian groups have called for dialogue to address underlying tensions.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between cultural pride and institutional autonomy in Karnataka’s diverse society. As the investigation continues, all eyes are on how local authorities and the school community will manage the fallout to ensure peace and mutual respect.
For further updates, contact the Hubli Police Department or the District Education Office
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