Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Bantwal, Feb 21 : Catholic Sabha Bantwal Deanery Committee submitted a request to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Government through Bantwal Taluk Tahsildar requesting an impartial investigation into the Mangaluru St Gerosa School incident.

It has been learned that there is no truth in the allegations made by Mr. Vedavyas Kamath, the local MLA, and the workers of many organizations regarding the lesson taught by the English teacher of St Gerosa High School, Mangaluru on February 10, 2024, as mentioned in the local police report. In this case, they regret to say that the events that took place under the leadership of MLAs are condemnable. It is reprehensible that the MLAs, who are supposed to give impartial justice, instead of solving the problem, gathered the school children, provoked them and shouted slogans against the teachers and the same school and ridiculed them. 

It is said that the parents, who say that the things said by the school teacher while reciting the poem of national poet Tagore, propagated through audio and gathered the organization without drawing the attention of the school management board and conspired to tarnish the image of the school.

Run by nuns for almost 60 years, innumerable girls belonging to different castes have been educated in this school. This school does not have any black spots till now. There are many instances where the school has taken care of the children's personal development and their health along with the curricular activities of the school children.

In such a situation, without any consultation with the school management board, the local legislators raised slogans and protested by the children and forced them to fire the teacher. Acting like a dictator in a democratic country and then enjoying dancing with children is reprehensible.

According to the local media reports, two local corporators and neighboring MLAs such as Mr. Bharat Shetty came and helped and created fear during this incident. They should take impartial action.

Catholic Sabha Bantwal Deanery Committee urged the Government to conduct an inquiry by a retired High Court judge instead of an IAS officer and whoever is guilty should be punished according to law and action should be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

On this occasion, the spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Bantwal Deanery Rev Fr Valerian D'Souza, Vice President Molly Tellis, Secretary Alwyn D'Souza, Central Immediate Past President Stany Lobo, Assistant Priest of Agrar Church, Sisters, Officer bearers and members of were present.