Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur school makes students recite ‘Kalma’ during morning prayers, stirs up controversy

A private school in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur has come under fire for making the students recite 'Kalma' as part of the morning prayers.

After strong objection from parents and some Hindu outfits, the school has stopped the practice. They alleged that the school is forcing religion on students.

While speaking to media, the school principal said that after this controversy, the management has now decided to stick only to the national anthem during the morning assembly.

"It has been a practice at this school for years. The school diary has verses of all major religions including Hindu, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam written in the diary. Reciting verses was started as a practice to give equal respect to all religions. Now all of a sudden, a group of Hindu radicals and some parents have opposed it," she added.