A recent government order to recite Hindu chants and prayers in public schools in Chhattisgarh, India, has caused an uproar over the violation of fundamental principles of secularism and disregard for indigenous tribal cultures and customs. The Chhattisgarh School Education Department issued a directive mandating daily recitation of 10 Vedic and regional mantras, including the Gayatri Mantra and the Saraswati Vandana, in state schools, sparking backlash from both tribal communities and political parties. Schools have just reopened for the new academic season nationwide after an extended summer break due to intense heat waves.