Class 4 exam turns epic: Dog named 'Ram' in school question paper sparks protests in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: A Class 4 half-yearly English examination in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district has sparked a controversy after the word “Ram” appeared as one of the options for the name of a dog in a multiple-choice question, prompting protests from Hindu organisations and raising sharp questions over the education department’s scrutiny of school exam papers. The exam for the 2025–26 session was held on Wednesday. One of the questions asked: “What is Mona’s dog’s name?” Among the four answer options printed on the question paper, “Ram” was listed as one of the choices. As the paper circulated in govt schools, Hindu groups and parents alleged that the question amounted to an insult to religious sentiments by using the name of Lord Ram for such a question. Education officer Vijay Lahare told TOI that he has ordered an inquiry into the matter. "The department has sought an explanation from the printing vendor and asked for submission of the printed manuscript to ascertain how the question paper was changed," Lahre said in a statement."It was not among the questions given to the printing press," DEO told TOI. Based on the reply, we will take action, he said. Leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal’s Mahasamund district unit submitted a memorandum to the collector and SP, calling the incident “not just negligence but a deliberate attempt to hurt religious faith”.They argued that Lord Ram is not merely a name but a symbol of devotion, culture and consciousness for crores of Hindus, and that using “Ram” in such a context was “unacceptable and punishable”.The organisations demanded that all officials and staff involved in preparing and approving the question paper be booked for a criminal offence, suspended immediately and dismissed from service. They warned that if strict action was not taken within seven days, they would launch a district-wide agitation.Angry protesters took out a rally in the town, marched to the office of the District Education Officer (DEO) and raised slogans against DEO Vijay Kumar Lahare. In the office premises, they burnt his effigy.DEO Lahre further clarified that the question paper wasn't the one approved earlier and owing to the confidentiality of examination papers, the issue came to light only after the paper was opened at the examination centre. There was no intention to hurt religious sentiments, he said, adding that “As soon as the objectionable option came to notice in the exam hall, that option was struck off and a new option was provided."Ward 21 resident and parent Vijay Mahato also lodged a complaint at Mahasamund police station, stating that as a follower of the Hindu faith.