‘Go to Pakistan’ remark by Kerala school owner sparks outrage

Dr Raju Davis, owner of the Dr Raju Davis International School in Mala, Thrissur, has sparked backlash after allegedly telling students who missed Independence Day celebrations to "go to Pakistan" and threatening to bar them from classrooms. The message was posted in a parent WhatsApp group, where attendance was previously made compulsory.

Following widespread criticism, Davis issued a second message defending his remark, saying he meant Pakistan as an enemy nation, not Arab countries or Bangladesh. He added, "No one needs to lecture me on my patriotism or secularism."

Parents condemned the labelling of children as anti-national for being unable to attend school on a holiday. Mathrubhumi reports the incident has deepened the controversy over the school owner's conduct.