In a crackdown by the government on anti-CAA activities and protests, even primary and high school educational institutions are not being spared. One such example is one of Karnataka’s most prominent educational group.

The Shaheen Group of Institutions headquartered in Bidar, Karnataka is easily one of the biggest educational centers for Hindu Muslim unity, with hundreds of students across the religious lines securing free medical seats in government colleges every year. In an anti-CAA skit performed by young students, opportunist right-wing activists have targeted the institution by painting the young students’ skit as anti-national. Apparently, activists with the support of center-led ruling party in Karnataka, is meting out its anger for ‘Shaheen Bagh’ at the ‘Shaheen’ group of institutions in Karnataka.

What’s remarkable about these institutions is that Shaheen Group has helped make Bidar in Karnataka a tuition-free city, elevated educational standards by several notches, gave the state several doctors, engineers, and exceptionally talented youngsters, both Muslim and non-Muslim to the city and the state. At its campuses across the country, nearly 20,000 students are studying from KG to PG.

The educational group is held in high regard by the locale, trusted by one and all – whether Hindu or Muslim or from any other lineage , which is apparent in the composition of girl students staying at the Shaheen campuses – a Hindu majority, way more than the Muslims themselves, in an institution run by ‘Muslim’ management.  Isn’t that proof enough of the secular and the values imparted by the institution, which are held in high regard by both Muslims and non Muslims alike – not just in Bidar, but across the state of Karnataka.

The institution is being targeted by vested interest groups as it also helps poor students pursue education with residential accommodation free of cost.

The founder of the institution Dr Abdul Qadeer have been conferred a doctorate degree by the Gulbarga University in 2017 for his unbiased educational and academic contributions. Secular Indians also refer to him as the Sir Syed of Karnataka for his contributions to the educational upliftment in Karnataka. However, activists are framing the founder Dr Qadeer, charging him with sedition for this educational play performed by young students.

But who can stop the activists and politicians from playing the religious card. JNU, Aligarh, Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Milia are some of the classic examples of educational institutions being targeted in the name of CAA. This is the time to protect this historic institution which is nothing less than a marvel for education in Karnataka and an example of secularism and unity-in-diversity for the rest of India.

Shaheen Group is the newest victim of this conspiracy, unless the honest and fearless journalists, people from all verticals bound by secular values, act, rise to protect the innocent, and prevent any harm to institutions like these.

But, is anyone listening?