Controversy has erupted over the alleged remarks by the owner of Dr. Raju Davis International School, Mala, Thrissur in Kerala, who reportedly told students who did not attend an Independence Day programme organised at the school to “go to Pakistan.”

The remarks, allegedly made by school owner Raju Davis in a voice note shared in a WhatsApp group of parents, have drawn strong criticism from parents and the public.

According to the messages, students who remained absent from the Independence Day celebrations were portrayed as lacking in patriotism. Mr. Davis reportedly warned that students who did not attend the programme would not be allowed to attend classes.

The school management had earlier informed students that attendance at the Independence Day celebrations was compulsory. However, parents said several students could not attend for various reasons and questioned the remarks of the owner equating absence from a school function with a lack of patriotism.

“Can a child who could not attend the school’s Independence Day programme for some reason be branded as anti-national?” parents asked.

Following the controversy, Mr. Davis reportedly issued another message defending his remarks. He said he had referred to Pakistan as it was “India’s enemy country” and asserted that nobody needed to teach him about patriotism or secularism.

In a voice message, he reportedly said that staying at home while the country was celebrating Independence Day was unacceptable and that those who did so should not live in India. He also allegedly criticised parents, saying their children were becoming “defiant and arrogant” because they were not being made to participate in such functions.

The issue also prompted the Students Federation of India (SFI) Mala area committee to take out a protest march to the school, condemning the alleged remarks and demanding action against the school management.

Later when the remarks became controversial, Mr. Davis expressed regret, saying he was sorry if his comments had hurt anyone. He clarified that his remarks were not intended to hurt or offend anyone.