Source: The Hindustan Times
MUMBAI, INDIA, September 23, 2001: A Class VI handbook authored by human rights activist and joint editor of “Communalism Combat,” Teesta Setalvad, has attracted criticism from local Hindus. The handbook, which describes the famed warrior Shivaji as a sudra, is given to teachers at Mumbai’s Don Bosco Catholic school. The book traces the rise of Shivaji from humble beginnings to fame and glory and praises him representing the toiling peasants and battling caste barriers. However the word sudra did not go down too well with some parents who approached the local Shiv Sena unit. The school authorities say that they have been asked to withdraw the book. They are planning to take up the issue with the human rights bodies.