A row has erupted over hundreds of students from several schools in Shanthinagar — both private and government — being made to participate in the birthday celebrations of Shanthinagar MLA N.A. Harris on Thursday.
The celebrations were organised at a ground near Garuda Mall amidst much fanfare. The students alleged that their principals and headmasters told them that it was mandatory to attend the celebrations. Some of them were made to walk long distances in the heat to reach the venue. Teachers were upset that classes were disrupted for a day.
The students, in turn, were given bags which were stamped with a picture of Mr. Harris while teachers were given carrier bags. Some were given sports kits.
All the students and teachers were served lunch.
But this has done nothing to pacify parents. One parent said the school had not informed them of the event, which they learnt about only after the children returned from school.
One parent said, “If the MLA wanted to distribute bags or serve lunch on his birthday, he should have gone to the schools to do so. Moreover, why should our child celebrate an MLA’s birthday?”
Mr. Harris refused to comment on the controversy.
