Bareilly (UP) — A controversy erupted in Bareilly after a poem by Hindi lecturer and Swachh Bharat Mission brand ambassador Rajneesh Gangwar, recited during a school assembly, went viral on social media and drew protests from Hindu organisations.
The poem, recited to children at MGM Inter College, questions the practice of carrying the Kanwar and instead urges students to pursue education and serve humanity. Among the lines that triggered outrage were:
"कांवड़ लेने मत जाना, तुम ज्ञान का दीप जलाना। मानवता की सेवा करके, तुम सच्चे मानव बन जाना।"
In the viral video, Gangwar is seen addressing children and reading the poem, which also states: "कांवड़ ढोकर कोई वकील, डीएम एसपी नहीं बना है। कांवड़ जल से कोई बनिया, हाकिम, वैद्य नहीं बना है।"
Hindu organisations, including the Mahakal Seva Samiti and BJP leaders, alleged that the poem hurt the sentiments of Shiva devotees. On Saturday, BJP leader Rahul Gupta and Mahakal Seva Samiti president Shakti Gupta submitted a complaint at Baheri police station, demanding strict legal action. Several local leaders and devotees joined the protest, stating that such remarks could disturb communal harmony.
In his defence, Gangwar issued a statement on social media, clarifying that his intent was not to insult Sanatan Dharma or Kanwar Yatra, but to encourage students to attend school regularly, avoid crowds and addictions, and focus on education. He claimed his words were being misinterpreted and attributed the outrage to personal jealousy.
The police have registered a report based on the complaint and begun an investigation. The administration has yet to announce any formal action against the teacher.
This is the Poem: (translation might be inaccurate)
कांवड़ ढोकर कोई वकील, डीएम एसपी नहीं बना है। No one has become a lawyer, DM or SP by carrying Kavad.
कावड़ जल से कोई बनिया, हाकिम, वैद्य नहीं बना है। No one has become a merchant, ruler or doctor by carrying Kavad water.
कावड़ से बुद्धि-विवेक का तनिक विकास न होगा। There will be no development of intellect and wisdom by Kavad.
भांग, धतूरा, गांजा, सुल्फा, मद से कोई उद्धार न होगा। There will be no salvation from bhang, dhatura, ganja, sulpha and intoxication.
जाति-धर्म का नशा छोड़कर, स्वकल्याण करो तुम। Leaving the addiction of caste and religion, do good for yourself.
शिक्षालय–पुस्तकालय में पढ़, ज्ञान प्रगाढ़ करो तुम। Study in the school-library and deepen your knowledge.
सत्कर्मों से मानव सेवा कर, प्रेम का दीप जलाना। Serve humanity with good deeds, light the lamp of love.
कावड़ लेने मत जाना, तुम ज्ञान का दीप जलाना। Don't go to get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge.
मानवता की सेवा करके, तुम सच्चे मानव बन जाना।। By serving humanity, become a true human.
