Teachers busy, govt schools skip Baisakhi events and festivities

Ludhiana: Baisakhi, a festival deeply rooted in Punjab's culture and history, is celebrated annually with immense energy to mark the harvest and the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. However, this year, a notable absence of events was observed across various government schools in the district on April 13 and 14. Instead, several institutions declared a half-day on April 13 and a full holiday on April 14 to observe the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.Parents and local residents have raised significant concerns, expressing a fear that the younger generation may lose touch with their cultural heritage. They emphasized that these celebrations are not merely about festivities but are essential for educating students on the historical and religious significance of the day—specifically the 1699 establishment of the Khalsa Panth and the importance of the harvest season."Our school operates in the evening shift, and there were no official announcements from the department regarding Baisakhi celebrations, unlike other festivals," stated a government school official. They noted that the school observed a half-day on April 13 with reduced staff levels, as numerous teachers had been deployed to various administrative duties across the district.A local parent voiced similar frustrations, remarking that Baisakhi is a cornerstone of Punjab's history. They argued that while schools host events throughout the year, the failure to mark this major festival is concerning, as schools play a pivotal role in passing down cultural knowledge to children.When contacted, Dimple Madaan, district education officer (secondary), clarified the department's stance. "There were no planned activities or official announcements from the department regarding a formal celebration schedule for Baisakhi, though schools may have organized events independently during morning assemblies," she said.Madaan further explained that the teaching staff is currently overwhelmed with multiple responsibilities. Teachers are occupied with exam marking, the ongoing admission process, Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties, and various training sessions. She maintained that despite these administrative pressures, educators are putting forth their best efforts to ensure that schools continue to function smoothly during this busy period.
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