Saraswati Puja Not Observed at Nalakata High School in Pecharthal, Triggers Mixed Reactions Among Students and Guardians

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 24, 2026

Tension and resentment prevailed among students, guardians, and local residents after Saraswati Puja was not observed this year at Nalakata High School in Pecharthal under Kumarghat subdivision, as the school remained closed on the day of the festival.

According to students and locals, many students along with their parents reached the school gate in the morning only to find it locked, leading to widespread disappointment and anger. Saraswati Puja, traditionally observed in the school for years, holds deep cultural significance for students, especially those belonging to the Hindu community.

Sources alleged that no initiative was taken by the School Management Committee (SMC) or the teaching staff to organize the puja. It has been claimed that a majority of the SMC members belong to Christian, Chakma, and Muslim communities, and instead of making alternative arrangements or discussions, the school was closed for the day.

Local residents and guardians accused both the school administration and the SMC of negligence, stating that due to their inaction, students were deprived of participating in an important cultural event. There have been growing demands for appropriate action against the concerned teachers and the School Management Committee.

Leaders of the local BJP unit also expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the relevance of such school management committees if they fail to understand or perform their responsibilities. They emphasized that the School Management Committee plays a crucial role in the overall development and harmony of an educational institution, and such lapses undermine public trust.

However, a contrasting view emerged from non-Hindu students, who defended the school’s decision. They stated that the institution had acted in accordance with constitutional values.

“We are a secular, socialist, democratic republic with rich cultural and spiritual diversity. Religious festivals should be avoided in educational institutions. We congratulate the school administration for upholding constitutional values and reinforcing faith in public institutions in Tripura,” they said.

On the other hand, Hindu students and their guardians expressed strong disappointment, pointing out that this was the first time Saraswati Puja was not held at the school. They demanded that a guardian meeting be convened immediately to ascertain the reasons behind the decision and to prevent such situations in the future.

The incident has sparked a broader debate in the area on the balance between cultural traditions and constitutional secularism in government-run educational institutions, highlighting the need for dialogue, transparency, and inclusive decision-making.

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