Over 1,000 schools observe ‘Black Day’

Reverend Abir Adhikari,Honorary Secretary of Diocese of Calcutta,said ‘Black Day’ has been observed in a peaceful and democratic manner.

Asked about reinstating Christ Church Girl’s High School Principal Helen Sarkar,he said: “Her resignation has not been accepted,so technically,she is still the principal. Thus,the question of reinstating her does not arise. She is under a lot of trauma and has been asked to rest. She would be back at school as soon as possible.”

Sarkar was recently arrested following protests by parents who blamed her for the death of 10-year-old Oindrilla Das. She is currently out on bail.

“A movement like this was necessary. If guardians acted the way they did on September 12,students would get even more violent in days to come. We urge the administration to provide us with security. How will we impart education with this fear of insecurity? There could be difference in opinion,but there are non-violent ways to express the same,” said Dr M P Rozario,president of Association of Schools Under ISC. Around 200 schools under this body remained shut on Thursday.

Herod Mullick,state president of WB Association of Minority Schools,said: “Other than the Muslim,Buddhist and Sikh schools,over 200 non-minority private schools also participated in the protest.” Prominent institutions in Kolkata like Park Circus Don Bosco,Pratt Memorial,St James School,Julien Day School and Delhi Public School also joined the movement.

Supriya Dhar,spokesperson of La Martiniere,said: “The schools were shut out of solidarity and examinations have been rescheduled. We condemn the attack on the school. Vandalism on any educational institution is uncalled for.”