Patna: The state government’s order compelling teachers to report to schools on Monday, coinciding with the celebration of the Holi festival, stirred a wave of challenges and discontent within the teaching community. Despite the directive, numerous teachers faced hurdles in reaching their schools, resulting in captivating scenes unfolding across various districts of the state amidst the fervor of Holi revelries.
The confusion surrounding the situation emanates from the discrepancy in holiday declarations for the Holi festival by the state government. While Bihar’s official calendar designates Holi holidays on March 26 and 27, the festivities saw a divided timeline. Some communities opted to observe Holi on March 25, while others anticipated celebrations on March 26.
Adding a touch of humor to the scenario, a teacher from Begusarai district, en route to school on Monday, amusingly inscribed on his bike, “Don’t tear my clothes brother… I am going on teacher’s duty… Happy Holi.” Moreover, many teachers found themselves embellished with ‘Pathak ji’ written on their bodies in vibrant colors, a nod to the education department’s additional chief secretary, K. K. Pathak.
However, beneath the veneer of these lighthearted anecdotes, discontent brewed as the mandated attendance meant foregoing a holiday on this auspicious day. Teachers’ unions, resonating with this dissatisfaction, voiced vehement opposition. Amit Vikram, a notable leader among teachers, posed pertinent questions to the Bihar government and the ruling BJP, querying the conspicuous absence of BJP leaders who had previously contested the cancellation of holidays during Hindu festivals.
Vikram underscored the peculiar nature of keeping schools operational even on the day of Holi, exacerbated further by the government’s decision to deploy approximately 20,000 teachers for training from March 25 to March 30. “These developments raise eyebrows, particularly under the governance of the BJP, known for its staunch stance on cultural and religious observances, as evidenced by their past opposition to denying leave on occasions like Rakshabandhan,” he remarked.
