I never said all govt schools breed Naxalism: Sri Sri Ravishankar

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar today denied making the statement that government schools are a breeding ground for Naxalism.

“I did not say all Govt schools (where lakhs study) breed Naxalism. Great talents have emerged from these schools & I would never generalize,” the Art of Living founder tweeted.

“I specifically referred to sick government schools in Naxal affected areas. Many who have turned to Naxalism have come from these schools,” he further tweeted, adding, “The Art of Living is running 185 free schools in such areas. I urge more institutions to join this effort to spread peace through education.”

The spiritual leader was earlier quoted as saying, “It’s often seen that boys from Government schools are into Naxalism and violence. Those from the private education system are not into these things. They move ahead with an ideal (adarsh) and teachers are responsible for it.”

His goes on to say “Government should not run any school, it should be given to some other system (samstha)”.

The statement comes in light of the ongoing hostage crisis in Odisha, where two Italians — Odisha tour operator Paolo Bosusco, 54, and tourist Claudio Colangelo, 61 — were kidnapped Saturday while trekking in Kandhamal district. The Indian cook and driver they were with were released by the rebels the same day.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called the insurgency India’s biggest internal security threat. At least 2,000 people including police personnel, insurgents and civilians have been killed in the conflict.

With inputs from agencies