Lady Sanskrit teacher broke tradition, and led Saraswati Puja at South Kolkata School
Times of India | 14 February 2024
KOLKATA: The tradition took a step aside as Saraswati Puja unfolded at Garfa Dhirendranath Memorial Girls' High School in South Kolkata. This year, the ceremony took on a new dimension with the appointment of a female Sanskrit teacher, Arpita Vaidya, to lead the rituals.
Typically, Saraswati Puja is synonymous with priests engrossed in customary rituals. However, the school administration's decision to entrust the Puja to Arpita Vaidya marked a significant departure from the convention. The move was met with enthusiasm from both teachers and students, underscoring a sense of unity and progression within the school community.
Reflecting on the decision, teachers noted that while the concept of a female priest is no longer novel, the symbolism of their teacher leading the Puja served to foster a greater sense of cohesion among students. This sentiment was echoed by school officials, who expressed a desire to provide their students with a progressive education while upholding cultural values.
Arpita Vaidya's graceful execution of the Puja symbolised a departure from traditional gender roles, signaling a step forward for the school community. The event highlighted a commitment to embracing change while honoring the rich traditions of Saraswati Puja.
In a poignant moment, a teacher's daughter assumed the role of priestess during the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of female empowerment and education. This unprecedented event at Garfa
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