In a recent contentious incident at Vandana Convent School located in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, Principal Catherine Vattoly faced severe backlash and legal trouble. This confrontation arose when she allegedly interrupted a group of sixth-grade students as they chanted Sanskrit verses during the school's morning assembly on July 15th. The local police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against the principal, marking a significant escalation in the situation.

Founded in 1974 by the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, Vandana Convent School is renowned as one of the oldest English medium institutions in the district. It boasts a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and discipline. However, this incident has spotlighted the school's linguistic and cultural practices, sparking debates across educational and religious communities.

The protest was spearheaded by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a prominent student organization, which also took formal legal action. Saksham Dubey, a 26-year-old activist from ABVP, was at the forefront of the complaint. According to Dubey, the disruption occurred between 8 am and 9 am on the said date. He detailed that Principal Vattoly abruptly took the microphone from the students who were attempting to recite the shloka, "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina," a verse wishing well-being for all.

Dubey's complaint further illuminated the principal's response to the situation. It noted that Principal Vattoly declared, "all this Shayari (poetry) will not be allowed" and insisted that the assembly proceed in English. This statement, where she seemingly mischaracterized the Sanskrit shlokas as mere poetry, has stirred considerable controversy. Critics argue that her remarks not only showcase a disregard for cultural traditions but also suggest a deeper ideological clash within the educational framework of the convent school.

The complaint accused Principal Vattoly of sowing what it described as "the seeds of missionary mentality," which allegedly undermined the Hindu students' religious sentiments and inflicted mental distress upon them. This incident has not only raised questions about the balance of cultural sensitivity and educational policies in convent schools but also highlighted the potential conflicts between religious practices and language use in educational settings.

At the gates of Vandana Convent School in Guna, amidst escalating protests led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Principal Catherine Vattoly found herself in the midst of a significant controversy. Holding a microphone, she attempted to pacify the demonstrators who were reacting to a report in a Hindi newspaper. This report alleged that she had interrupted students' recitation of Sanskrit verses during the school assembly, insisting they speak English instead. "It was a day to speak in English, so the student was stopped. If anyone’s feelings were hurt, I apologize. I respect all religions," she stated, hoping her words would diffuse the tensions.

The demonstrators, however, were not easily swayed. They had gathered following reports that Vattoly not only stopped the students from their recitations but also appropriated the microphone to enforce the English-only directive. This act has stirred up considerable unrest within the community, highlighting a perceived disregard by the school's administration for cultural and linguistic diversity.

Further complicating matters, on July 21, District Education Officer Chandrashekhar Sisodia intervened by issuing a show-cause notice to the school's management. The notice demanded a thorough explanation of the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against the school's conduct. "What kind of program was conducted in your school in which the children were snatched from the microphone and stopped from speaking Sanskrit verses and Hindi, and were asked to speak in English?" the notice questioned, pointing to a potential breach of linguistic rights within the educational institution.

The DEO's notice also required the school to provide a detailed written explanation, along with any supporting evidence, to clarify the events of that day. It sternly noted, "In the above sequence, you should immediately provide your explanation along with evidence in writing to the undersigned. If the explanation is not received or is not found satisfactory, a proposal for disciplinary action against the school as per rules will be sent to the competent authority." This statement reflects the gravity of the situation and the possible repercussions that could follow if the school fails to justify its actions adequately.

At Vandana Convent School, the administration explained that selected pupils usually deliver presentations in Hindi and English during morning assembly. On the particular day in question, the speeches were supposed to be in English, but the students began speaking in Hindi instead. A teacher then requested that they switch to English. Everyday prayers at the school include the recitation of several religious quotes, indicating a blend of cultural and educational practices.

The demonstrators, upset by the incident, demanded drastic actions. They called for the principal's termination and insisted that the Sanskrit verse the student had been prevented from reciting be included in the school’s daily prayers. They also sought legal action against the school administration. The protest, fueled by these demands, lasted around two hours and concluded only after the school authorities, along with the arrival of the district education officer, provided reassurances to the demonstrators.

ABVP district convener Piyush Mishra commented on the situation, stating, “I also come from an English medium school. It is a global language and in South Indian states this is the language that is used. I also speak in English. We did not have an issue with the language. The school Principal is denying freedom to these children. We wanted to bring these anti-national practices to the administration’s notice.”

Following the protest and the ensuing public outcry, the police acted on the complaints. Guna Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mansingh Thakur provided details on the actions taken: “After the uproar and protest by the student organisation, the police took cognisance of the matter and registered an FIR against the school Principal. The matter is being investigated,” he said. The official complaint against the principal included serious allegations under sections 299 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), targeting actions intended to insult religious beliefs and promote animosity between different groups on religious grounds, with potential penalties including imprisonment.