Rajasthan warns private schools against forcing students to dress as Santa Claus

Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district education authorities have issued a strict advisory to private schools, warning them against compelling students to dress as Santa Claus during Christmas celebrations.

The directive emphasizes that participation in such activities must be voluntary, and any form of coercion will attract disciplinary action.

The order, issued on Dec 22 by Additional District Education Officer Ashok Wadhwa, stated that schools are free to organize cultural events, but forcing students or pressuring parents violates education rules.

“Action will be taken under rules if any school is found forcing students,” the notice said, holding school management accountable.

The warning follows a formal complaint by the Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch, which claimed that some private schools in recent years had compelled children to portray Santa Claus, upsetting parents from non-Christian communities.

The organization said such practices disregard the cultural and religious composition of the district, which is predominantly Hindu and Sikh, and impose a specific tradition on students.

Wadhwa stressed the importance of balanced programming, particularly around December 25, which the Centre observes as Veer Bal Diwas.

“Since Sri Ganganagar is a Hindu-Sikh majority area, no tradition should be forced upon students or families against their wishes,” he said, adding that schools must remain inclusive and sensitive to diverse religious backgrounds.