A private school in Hebbal, Bengaluru, has ignited a heated debate by incorporating a lesson on actress Tamannaah Bhatia (Tamanna Bhatia) into the curriculum focused on the Sindhi community. Parents of students attending the school have expressed strong opposition to this move.
Tamannaah Bhatia, known for her roles in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films, as well as her hit songs, has become a controversial figure in the classroom. The decision to include her in the syllabus has prompted parents to raise concerns with the Associated Managements of English Medium Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), demanding action against the school authorities. Association Secretary Shashikumar has acknowledged the issue and assured that it will be brought to the attention of the Primary Education Department.
The contentious chapter on Tamannaah Bhatia appears in the textbook of ‘Sindhi High School’ in Hebbala. Seventh-grade students and their parents have expressed outrage over its inclusion. While the school management has reportedly sought approval from the ‘Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Associated Management of Primary and High Schools,’ parents argue that the content related to Tamannaah is inappropriate for class 7 students.
The chapter covers topics such as life after the partition of the country, migration, community, and strife in Sindh from 1947 to 1962. Students are introduced to the linguistic minority Sindhi community and its culture. However, the controversy stems from including Tamannaah Bhatia in the discussion of post-independence Indian life. Parents question whether an actress known for bold scenes in commercial movies should serve as an ideal role model for children.
Allegations have surfaced that the school management is threatening to issue transfer certificates to students whose parents oppose the chapter. While parents appreciate the teaching of chapters on senior artists from the Sindhi community, they argue that social media reveals half-baked and inappropriate content related to Tamanna Bhatia. They have appealed to the governing body and relevant departments to reconsider the appropriateness of including her in the curriculum.
D. Sasikumar, Principal Secretary of the Associated Management of Primary and High Schools, emphasizes that any subject addition requires approval from the concerned board. The school management board must address the controversy transparently and work toward resolving the confusion.
