Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): Staff at Kasturba Gandhi Girls Hostel School in Dharavara village were seen dancing during the national mourning period, leading to a notice from authorities amid controversy.
A seven-day state mourning has been declared following death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The annual function at the government hostel in Dhar district proceeded despite the national mourning period.
Videos showed female staff members dancing to film songs, including ‘Jhumar,’ alongside students. The footage quickly went viral on social media, prompting immediate administrative action.
Watch the video here:
District Congress spokesperson and Leader of Opposition’s representative Ajay Dr Manohar Singh Thakur called the incident ‘shameful’ and ‘an insult’ to the former Prime Minister.
He particularly criticised the participation of superintendents and teachers in what he described as ‘obscene’ dancing, noting that while student performances might have been acceptable, staff participation was inappropriate during the mourning period.
Abhishek Chaudhary, in-charge collector and CEO of district panchayat confirmed that a show cause notice has been issued to the staff members involved in organising and participating in the programme at the Kasturba Gandhi Kanya Vidyalaya Residential Hostel in Dharavara.
The administration is waiting for their response before deciding what to do next. The Congress party has demanded strict action against the organisers, threatening protests if appropriate measures are not taken.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about institutional sensitivity during national mourning.
