Exclusive | Mumbai: Principal defiant after top school asks her to quit over Twitter posts

Parveen Shaikh, principal, The Somaiya School

Yes, it's true and very disappointing," Parveen Shaikh told mid-day regarding the school management asking her to resign as principal at The Somaiya School, Vidyavihar. Shaikh also clarified that she has not submitted her resignation and has no intention of doing so. The school's management reportedly asked Shaikh to resign over some activity (liking and making comments) on her social media pages after a website collated them and cast aspersions over her character. The spokesperson did not confirm the development when contacted by mid-day, saying they are looking into the matter.

A section of parents has come out in support of Shaikh.

The Somaiya School, Vidyavihar East

Meanwhile, Shaikh, resolute in her position, said, "The news portal that published the article about me is reputed for its bias against the secular constitutional ethos and the Palestinian cause. Those who have trolled me from its followers likely share the same bias."

In an interview over email, Shaikh said, "The article in question was published on April 25, and the following day, management convened a meeting to address the allegations it contained. During the meeting, they expressed disappointment with the content of the OpIndia article and conveyed that, despite recognising my hard work and contributions to The Somaiya School, they could no longer continue our association. They described the decision as difficult but necessary, citing immense pressure to act. In the subsequent days, both covert and overt pressures from management representatives were evident, aiming to coerce my resignation."

The Somaiya School

Regarding the support she has been receiving from students and parents, Shaikh said, "One's character is truly tested during difficult times. Many people fall off the grid. However, you have stood rock-solid, and your support has been a beacon of hope and strength for me. I am deeply moved by your steadfast solidarity as we navigate through the allegations against me. The accusations are far from the truth."

Giving a message to her students, she said: "As your principal, I have always strived to create an environment of inclusivity and learning, guided by the values we cherish in our democratic society. Your continued trust and confidence in my leadership, despite these trying circumstances, reinforce my commitment to uphold these ideals. Together, we have built a community at The Somaiya School that thrives on mutual respect and understanding. Your support not only fortifies my resolve but also affirms the strength of our united community in the face of adversity. Thank you for standing with me. Your belief in my integrity is the greatest honour I could receive as an educator."

Parveen Shaik, principal, The Somaiya School

A successful principal, a keen academician, PhD scholar, and an ambitious woman, Shaikh has been associated with The Somaiya School for 12 years, of which seven years she has been the principal of the school.

Many parents, friends, and several social media users have come out in support of Shaikh on various social media platforms and have even created hashtags #supportparveenshaikh #standupfordemocracy #somaiyamanagement.

Posting a photo of Shaikh, Deepa Balsavar, an author and illustrator of children's books, expressed on Instagram, "This is Parveen Shaikh, I have known and respected her for many years as the enlightened and beloved principal of Somaiya Vidyavihar School, Mumbai. She has always upheld the highest standards of professionalism and has helped her school to become the award-winning institution it is today. I heard today that some malicious tweets have attacked her integrity and leadership, all because she is a Muslim. Malicious tweets can be disregarded; they seem to be the order of the day. However, for the Somaiya school management to ask her to resign (after all the years of dedicated and exemplary service), bowing under pressure to communal hatred is saddening beyond comprehension. It is time to stop the madness and stand up for what is right."

Preeti Gopalkrishnan, one of the parents at the Somaiya school, said: "She has been a wonderful principal of the school, and introduced so many innovative things. We don't want her to resign; children don't want her to resign. This is really unfortunate, I feel."

Another parent of a Std IX student in the school said: "This is unfair; parents and students were not taken into confidence before taking this decision. The Principal Parveen Shaikh was doing so much good for the school. Children love her. This is a huge loss to the school and the children."

Seven
No. of years Shaikh has been a principal at The Somaiya School

Apr 25
Day article was published