Kerala School Owner Sparks Controversy With 'Go to Pakistan' Remark Over Students Skipping Independence Day Event

Thrissur: Controversial statements made by the owner of a private school in Thrissur district of Kerala, who said that those students who skip his school's Independence Day functions should "go to Pakistan" and "they don't deserve to live here".

What did the school owner say?

Raju Davis, owner of Dr Raju Davis International School and Sainik School in Mala, made the statements in his voice message which he uploaded in a parents' WhatsApp group after Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

In the voice message, Davis criticized the parents who did not send their kids to his school's Independence Day functions although he arranged transportation facility for the students.

"When the entire nation celebrates Independence Day, not caring for it and remaining at home is an outrageous thing. These people should go somewhere else like Pakistan. They don't deserve to live here. They have no respect for the country," he said.

The students who skip these celebrations will not be allowed to attend the first class period and they have to come to me with their parents to explain the reason for their absence, Davis further said.

"The school had made arrangements by arranging buses from all routes and spending approximately ₹1 lakh. We wanted to educate the children about the freedom struggle and importance of Independence Day," he added.

Did SFI hold protest?

The remarks attracted criticism, raising questions over whether skipping a school function could be compared with a lack of patriotism.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has conducted a march to the school protesting against Davis's statements. Fayis AH, President of Fraternity Movement in Thrissur district, filed a police complaint against Davis, according to reports.

Police, however, clarified that they had not registered a formal case since the parents did not lodge any complaint. Petitions by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) were reportedly being considered.

Dod school owner withdrew his statement?

While defending his statements, Davis stated that he mentioned the Pakistan since he considers the country as an enemy country and his comments are not communal.

"I never mentioned any religious group. I didn't say go to Bangladesh, Arab countries or Sudan. I only said Pakistan as I am a patriotic person," he said.

However, he later withdrew the statements and expressed regrets about the controversy.

"I am withdrawing the statement and I am sad over the pain caused by this. I had made such remarks out of emotion," Davis said.