Main religion is humanity: Schoolkids’ Independence Day skit

Students of a school performed skits on I-Day eve where they raised the issues of religious intolerance and ethnic violence.

In one play, a student objects to go to a picnic because a student from a different religion is part of it.

In another, the students talk about intolerance in different parts of the country and families being under threat. The children in the play resolve to set things right and find solutions and emphasise humanity.

“Our main religion is humanity... what we learn in our books, we will put that to practice,” a student says in one of the plays.

Some 300 students of St. Paul’s Mission School put up a 90-minute programme of dance, songs and skits on the theme In search of Peace on Monday evening.

The school said that they tried to raise the issues with the students using everyday examples that they can relate to.

“In the backdrop of looming threats from divisive forces that seek to fracture the nation on lines of caste, creed, religion, ethnicity, and gender, it is the student community, who has the strength of mind and the goodness of heart to change things and usher in a more accepting and welcoming world...” principal Sanchita Biswas said in her speech.

“...as we attempted to celebrate the glorious heritage and traditions that place our nation on the pinnacle of world culture, we also showcased before you, the threats and challenges that loom large before our country and pose as serious obstacles in the
path of harmonious integration of a people who are known for their rich and diverse traditions,” she said.

The students uphold the nation’s diversity in a Bengali skit and say that India is one nation despite differences.

In an English skit, the students also advise their elders to take lessons from how they choose their prefects to avoid violence during elections.

They do not stop there.

“I have read in the newspaper about the terrible ethnic and religious intolerance in different parts of the country. I feel so sad for the people there — so many families are under the threat of death,” says one of the characters.

Another one responds: “I too have heard of this. I don’t know why political parties encourage religious and ethnic intolerance among the people. Is it not their responsibility to bring about peace in the nation by promoting harmony among different castes, religions and ethnic groups?”

The Indian cultural evening on Monday was a result of two weeks of efforts by students and teachers.

The students through other skits also raised the issue of domestic violence and environmental degradation.

In a concept note, the school said the theme “in search of peace” was chosen not just to make students aware but also to teach them to raise their voices.

The note says: “The only way to recover from this spasm of darkness is to strive towards a better future, where citizens would be educated enough to respect the differences between themselves and others.”

Principal Biswas told Metro: “If we don’t instil in them questions and implore them to find answers, then the damage, discord and violence will continue. We have to make them champions of humanity.”