In Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, a preschool's use of a Pakistan flag in a play has ignited protests from right-wing groups, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP. The controversy erupted during an Independence Day cultural event, where the flag was used as a prop in a skit depicting India's freedom struggle and Partition. The incident prompted right-wing activists to block the Mhow-Neemuch Road for an hour on Wednesday, demanding action against the school.
The issue gained traction after a video of the play was shared on social media. The seven-minute clip, posted by the school, featured children celebrating Indian culture and diversity. In one scene, as the narrator described Partition, a child held the Pakistan flag while others held the Indian Tricolour. The Pakistani flag was quickly removed after the scene concluded.
Ratlam Collector Rajesh Batham confirmed that the matter had been forwarded to the local police for investigation. “I have received information about this incident. The matter has been referred to the local police for further investigation. We have not taken any action through the education department,” Batham stated.
Ratlam DEO Ashok Lodha clarified that preschools are not under the education department’s purview, hence no direct action could be taken by them. “Preschools do not fall under the education department's recognition or affiliation. Therefore, no action has been initiated from our side,” Lodha explained.
The school defended its actions, asserting that the play was intended to teach children about India’s struggle for Independence and the historical context of Partition. “The skit was designed to educate children about the Independence movement, including Partition. The use of both Indian and Pakistani flags was necessary for historical accuracy. The video clip shared online was edited and misinterpreted,” said Deepak Panth, the preschool director.
Despite this explanation, the video sparked widespread outrage on social media, fueling protests from right-wing groups. The police are currently investigating the full context and nature of the incident.
