Harassed boy goes back to school
Bengaluru: Little Akshath (name changed) a four-and-a-half year-old boy Bengaluru, is suffering from a rare genetic disease, which has led to ‘dry skin’ problems that affect his appearance. Like all other children, he wanted a good education.
His parents got him admission in Navodaya Kishora Kendra in MS Palya, where the family lives. Until Monday, however, his skin problem denied him the chance to attend his kindergarten class, as school authorities were facing a bit of a dilemna.
This was caused by parents, who, frightened that his problem was contagious, opposed his presence in the classroom. However, Akshath is all set to go to school, thanks to the timely intervention of the Chief Minister's Office.
Akshath made headlines a few days ago, when he met Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah at the Janatha Darshan, whose intervention he sought to be given the chance to go to school, like other kids his age.
His complaint was that even though the school had given him admission, he was being prevented from attending regular class due to his dry skin problem. The school management justified its decision by saying that parents were objecting to Akshath being around their children, afraid the problem may spread.
Although Akshath's parents submitted a medical report stating that his was a genetic problem and non-contagious, parents simply weren’t ready to listen. This forced the school authorities to close their doors on Akshath.
His parents lodged complaints with the local education department officials, but received no proper response. As a last resort, they met the CM, seeking his help. Immediately, the Department of Public Instruction and the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights officials swung into action.
In a happy turn of events, all parents have now withdrawn their objection and Akshath will go back to school. Speaking to this newspaper, Harish, Akshath’s father, said that he is happy now.
“I have informed the school management and all the other parents that if my son’s condition spread to any other child, I will pay for all the treatment. School authorities informed me that my son can start attending class,” he said.
HR Umesh Aradhya, chairman, KCPCR, expressed the view that education is the right of every child. "We will definitely ensure that justice is given to the kid," he said.
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