Adivasis Are Not Hindus: Tribal Leader Opposes Sanskrit Prayers in Chhattisgarh Schools
Raipur, June 19 2026: A fresh controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh over the state government’s decision to introduce Sanskrit prayers, including the Gayatri Mantra, in government schools. Senior tribal leader and former MLA Manish Kunjam has strongly opposed the move, saying that Adivasis are not Hindus and should not be subjected to religious practices associated with any particular faith.
Kunjam argued that tribal communities have their own distinct cultural and religious traditions, and imposing Sanskrit prayers in schools goes against the secular spirit of the Constitution. He urged the state government to reconsider the decision and ensure that no specific religious beliefs are imposed on students.
The controversy comes after the Chhattisgarh government directed schools to include prayers such as the Gayatri Mantra and other Sanskrit shlokas as part of the morning assembly from the new academic session. The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties and tribal organizations.
Defending the decision, the state government said the prayers are intended to promote discipline, moral values and awareness of Indian culture among students. Education Minister Brijmohan Agrawal has maintained that the initiative is not linked to any political or religious agenda.
The issue has sparked a wider debate on secularism, tribal identity and the role of religious practices in educational institutions across the state.
