{
  "id": 1287425,
  "title": "‘Missed Independence Day? Go to Pakistan:’ Thrissur school owner’s remarks spark controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/missed-independence-day-go-to-pakistan-thrissur-school-owners-remarks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T14:43:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/missed-independence-day-go-to-pakistan-thrissur-school-owners-remarks-spark-controversy/article71352603.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Controversy has erupted over the remarks made by Mala, a school owner in Thrissur, Kerala, who reportedly told students who did not attend the school's Independence Day programme to \"go to Pakistan.\" The comments, allegedly made in a voice note shared on a WhatsApp group of parents, have sparked anger among parents and the public. Students who missed the celebrations were portrayed as lacking patriotism, and Mr. Davis reportedly threatened not to allow them in future classes. The school had initially declared attendance at the event compulsory, but parents claimed some students were unable to attend due to various reasons. The owner defended his comments, stating that Pakistan was \"India's enemy country\" and that not attending the celebrations was unacceptable. He also criticized parents for raising defiant and arrogant children. The Students Federation of India (SFI) Mala area committee took to the streets to protest the remarks, demanding action against the school management. Mr. Davis later expressed regret, claiming his comments were not meant to offend anyone.",
  "summary": "Parents question branding of absent students as ‘anti-national;’ SFI takes out protest march against school management",
  "key_points": [
    "Thrissur school owner Mala told students to go to Pakistan if they missed Independence Day program.",
    "Owner later expressed regret, stating comments were not intended to offend anyone."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}