Lucknow: A dispute over the future of the nearly 89-year-old Vidya Mandir Girls High School in Narhi, Lucknow, has intensified, triggering protests by students, teachers, staff, and parents who are demanding an impartial investigation and protection of the institution.
Recently, a large gathering was held outside the school premises, where students and stakeholders staged a demonstration against the alleged eviction of the school campus. Protesters claimed that administrative action led to the evacuation of the school premises, severely affecting academic activities and disrupting the education of students.
During the protest, Class 9 student and Inspire Award winner Tanisha made an emotional appeal to the District Magistrate, stating that most students come from economically weaker backgrounds and that the school must be preserved. She alleged that there are attempts by certain groups to take control of the institution, calling it not just a matter of property but of students’ futures.
The demonstration, led by school manager Santosh Rastogi, saw participation from a large number of students, teachers, staff, and parents. Protesters alleged that during the summer vacation, the school premises were vacated in the presence of police. They further claimed that records, furniture, computers, fans, and other educational materials were removed from the campus, which has negatively impacted the academic environment and raised concerns over the continuity of studies.
The protest also received support from members of the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh. Senior leaders including Vice President and spokesperson Om Prakash Tripathi, General Secretary Ashish Kumar Singh, Treasurer Nand Kumar Mishra, and other office bearers joined the demonstration. Representatives of the Sharma faction, including General Secretary Narendra Kumar Verma, District President Anil Sharma, and District Minister Mahesh Chand, also expressed solidarity. Union leaders demanded a fair investigation and action against those found responsible.
MLA and former minister Ravidas Mehrotra also extended support to the school management. Urging Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to intervene, he called for the immediate restoration of academic activities. He emphasized that the matter concerns the future of 243 students and alleged that there are attempts to shut down the institution established in 1936.
Authorities are yet to issue an official clarification on the allegations, while tensions around the issue continue to rise in the area.
