The sad news coming from Jharkhand Saint Xavier School, Dhanbad district of Usha Kumari narrates a tragic story of religious intolerance, highlighting the alarming need for sensitivity and respect towards diverse cultures and religions
A minor Hindu student of Saint Xavier School ended her life, distressed by the humiliation she faced for observing a cultural symbol, the bindi.
Who is Usha Kumari of Dhanbad Jharkhand Saint Xavier School who committed suicide after being slapped by teacher for wearing a bindi
A life cut short for young girl at Saint Xavier School
The victim, Usha Kumari, a 17-year-old class 10 student, took the drastic step of ending her life after one of her teachers, identified as Sindu Mam, publicly insulted and physically abused her for wearing a bindi at school. The dreadful incident occurred on July 10, leading to widespread shock and grief in her Hanumangarhi colony neighborhood.
The Suicide Note Speaks
Kumari left behind a chilling suicide note, attributing her decision to the humiliation she experienced at school. Her suicide note read, “My problem is that I am a student of Dhanbad St Xavier School, today one of my teachers insulted me in front of the whole school and threw me out. Her name is Sindhu Madam and she is solely responsible for my death.”
The Aftermath of Jharkhand Saint Xavier School suicide case
The victim’s mother lodged a complaint against the teacher and the school principal after the tragic incident. This resulted in the arrests of the principal, Rajkishore Singh, and Sindhu Jha under IPC sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 34 (acts done by several people with common intention). Their arrests sparked local protests as people demanded stringent punishment for the culprits.
Calls for the suspension of the school’s registration emerged in the wake of the incident. Babulal Marandi, the Bhartiya Janata Party state president, expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy and urged the Chief Minister to cancel the school’s recognition.
A pattern of discrimination?
This event shows that Catholic schools have a bigger problem with religious prejudice. Reports say that these schools are putting more pressure on Hindu students to stop practising their religion by punishing them for wearing culture symbols like Kalawa, Tilak, or any other locket or chain.
17 Yo Usha Kumari Committed Su!c!de for being Slapped by St Xavier's Convent School Teacher in Public for wearing A Bindi.
Even though she removed it she was slapped and expelled said her mother.
She has left a Su!c!de note in which she has held Principal and teacher… pic.twitter.com/8VuOmDscL8
— Dr. Vedika (@vishkanyaaaa) July 12, 2023
Usha Kumari, a Hindu student, commits $uicide after being slapped by a teacher for wearing a "BINDI" on her forehead in school.
Last year Lavanya committed $uicide after being tortured by Her Missionary School teacher.
We did massive Twitter trend & case was handed to CBI.… pic.twitter.com/q5VqiCHnn4
— Randomsena (@randomsena) July 12, 2023
History repeating itself
Sadly, this isn’t a one-time thing. Over time, Hindu students have been made to change their religion, punished for speaking in their native language, and have had problems for showing their cultural symbols. Just this year, a 17 year old Hindu girl named Lavanya Muruganantham from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu also ended her own life. This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of creating a kind and respectful atmosphere in our schools and our society overall.
The terrible death of a young man shocks the entire country, making us to question the price we pay for ignorance about other cultures and religious intolerance. This tragic event serves as a wake-up call to transform our education system, instilling a deep respect for cultural diversity in our schools.