Chhattisgarh Exam Row: ‘Ram’ Listed as Dog’s Name in Class 4 Test, Sparks Religious Outrage

Chhattisgarh exam row: Dog named ‘Ram’ listed as MCQ answer choice; protests erupt

What was meant to be a routine English comprehension test for fourth-grade students in Chhattisgarh has exploded into a major socio-political controversy. The spark? A single multiple-choice question that listed “Ram” as the name of a dog. To many Hindus, Lord Ram is a revered deity—an avatar of Vishnu and the central figure of the Ramayana. Using his name to identify a pet in a government-conducted exam has been branded by right-wing groups and local communities as a deliberate insult to religious sentiments, leading to widespread protests and an urgent administrative response .

The incident occurred during a recently held class 4 English examination in Mahasamund district, organized under the state’s School Education Department. In a passage about a boy and his pet, students were asked to identify the dog’s name from four options—one of which was “Ram.” While likely intended as a common Indian male name, the choice has ignited fierce backlash, exposing the deep sensitivities surrounding religious nomenclature in public institutions.

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What Happened in the Chhattisgarh Exam?

The controversial question appeared in a standard reading comprehension section. Students were given a short paragraph describing a child playing with his pet dog. The follow-up MCQ asked: “What is the name of the boy’s dog?” with four choices:

  • A) Tommy
  • B) Moti
  • C) Ram
  • D) Bruno

While “Ram” is indeed a common first name across India—used by millions of people regardless of religion—the context of naming a dog triggered immediate offense among many Hindu families and organizations. Social media amplified the issue within hours, with images of the question paper going viral under hashtags like #RespectRam and #ChhattisgarhExamScandal .

Public and Political Backlash

Protests erupted swiftly across Mahasamund and neighboring districts. Members of right-wing outfits like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged demonstrations outside district education offices, demanding strict action against those responsible. They argued that using the name of a divine figure for an animal—especially in a government-sanctioned document—is disrespectful and unacceptable in a country where religious identity is deeply intertwined with cultural life.

Local BJP leaders also weighed in, calling the incident “an affront to Hindu faith” and urging the state government—led by the Congress party—to take immediate corrective measures. The opposition framed it as evidence of administrative negligence or, worse, intentional provocation, further polarizing an already tense political climate .

Official Response and Inquiry

Reacting to the escalating unrest, the Chhattisgarh School Education Department ordered an urgent high-level inquiry. Officials confirmed that the exam paper was outsourced to a private printing vendor, and initial findings suggest the content may not have undergone adequate editorial review by subject matter experts or sensitivity auditors.

“We take this matter very seriously,” said a senior education department official. “An investigation is underway to determine whether this was a careless oversight or a deliberate act. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible” .

The vendor in question has been asked to submit a written explanation, and future contracts may be reviewed to ensure stricter quality control protocols, including mandatory vetting by a diverse panel of educators and community representatives.

The Fine Line Between Error and Insult

This incident highlights a recurring challenge in multicultural societies: balancing linguistic commonality with religious reverence. While “Ram” is undeniably a popular human name, its primary association for hundreds of millions is with divinity. Educational content developers must navigate this nuance carefully.

As noted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), textbook and exam materials should adhere to guidelines that “promote social harmony and avoid content that may hurt the sentiments of any community” . Whether this question violated those principles is now at the heart of the debate.

[INTERNAL_LINK:sensitive-content-guidelines-for-indian-school-materials] explores how other states have handled similar controversies—such as renaming historical figures or altering illustrations—and what best practices exist for inclusive curriculum design.

Broader Implications for Education Policy

Beyond this single question, the Chhattisgarh exam row raises systemic concerns:

  1. Outsourcing Risks: Relying on third-party vendors without robust oversight can lead to content errors with serious social consequences.
  2. Lack of Diversity in Review Panels: If only one cultural or religious perspective informs content creation, blind spots are inevitable.
  3. Need for Real-Time Feedback Mechanisms: Schools should have channels for parents and teachers to flag potentially offensive material before mass distribution.
  4. Training for Content Creators: Writers and editors need cultural competency training to understand the symbolic weight of certain names and references.

Conclusion: Sensitivity, Oversight, and Accountability

The uproar over a dog named “Ram” in a class 4 exam is about far more than a printing mistake—it’s a reflection of India’s complex religious landscape and the immense responsibility that comes with shaping young minds through public education. While the intention may have been benign, the impact has been deeply hurtful to many. Moving forward, the Chhattisgarh government must not only punish negligence but also implement structural reforms to ensure such oversights never happen again. In a diverse democracy, educational content must be both accurate and respectful—a lesson that, ironically, wasn’t tested on the exam itself.

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