What? Mumbai school's student form lists 'Gujarati' as religion, sparks debate

New Delhi: A student details form distributed by a South Bombay school has sparked controversy and amusement among parents due to an unusual inclusion. The form, meant to collect information about students, presented an unexpected option under the religion section: 'Gujarati.'

Unconventional option raises eyebrows

Parents filling out the form were perplexed to find 'Gujarati' listed alongside traditional religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Parsi, and Christianity. The inclusion of a language-based community as a religious category raised questions about the accuracy and sensitivity of the form.

Quirks of the form

The form's instructions, urging parents to "Tick the correct one," added to the confusion, as it implied that 'Gujarati' was a valid religious affiliation. Moreover, the absence of options like "Atheist" or "Other" for those not identifying with the listed religions further highlighted the form's oversight.

Reaction and discussion

News of the form quickly circulated among parents, sparking both debate and amusement within the community. Many questioned the rationale behind including 'Gujarati' as a religion, while others found humor in the peculiar situation.

School identity and response

The form, originating from Greenlawns High School in Kemps Corner, was shared with parents across all classes. Despite attempts to seek clarification from school authorities, no official response has been provided regarding the unusual inclusion.

While administrative forms are meant to streamline processes, instances like this highlight the importance of careful consideration and sensitivity in their design. The 'Gujarati' religion debacle serves as a reminder of the need for thorough review and cultural awareness in educational institutions' documentation procedures.