A farewell celebration is usually a time for reflection, gratitude, and hopeful goodbyes. But at Pranabananda Vidya Mandir, a reputed school in Silchar, Assam, what was meant to be a dignified send-off for Class 10 students turned into a shocking episode of destruction.

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The incident has triggered widespread discussions across Assam and beyond, raising serious questions about student discipline, school management, and the growing influence of digital trends on young minds.

What Happened at the School?

On January 17, 2025, after the official farewell ceremony—which included traditional Vedic chanting—some Class 10 students stayed back and began vandalizing their own classrooms. Videos surfaced on social media showing students:

• Breaking ceiling fans

• Damaging benches, desks, blackboards, and bulbs

• Discharging fire extinguishers

• Screaming and laughing as they filmed the chaos

The videos quickly went viral, prompting immediate backlash from the community and school authorities.

School’s Response

The school’s administration, visibly disturbed by the behavior, launched an internal investigation. Principal Pratima Chakrabarty addressed the media and condemned the incident, calling it an “unfortunate misuse of a sacred occasion.”

To hold the students accountable:

• ₹20,000 fines were levied on students directly involved in the vandalism

• ₹3,000 fines were imposed on other students in the class, sparking debates about fairness

While some praised the swift disciplinary action, others—particularly parents of uninvolved students—criticized the blanket punishment policy.

The Larger Issue: A Cultural Crisis?

This is not just an isolated case of mischief—it reflects a deeper issue rooted in the intersection of youth culture, peer pressure, and the social media attention economy.

Key questions that arise:

• Are students losing respect for educational spaces and authority?

• Is virality becoming more important than values?

• How can schools balance discipline with emotional development?

Educators, psychologists, and parents are now being urged to rethink how values are instilled in students beyond textbooks.

What Can Be Done?

1. Revamp Moral Education: Schools must focus on teaching life skills and ethics, not just academics.

2. Media Literacy Programs: Students should be educated about the consequences of online behavior.

3. Involve Parents Deeply: Parents must play an active role in guiding emotional maturity.

4. Positive Role Models: Encourage student leadership that inspires rather than disrupts.

Conclusion

The Silchar school vandalism incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges today’s educators and parents face. The need for responsible celebration, digital mindfulness, and stronger value systems in education has never been clearer.

If we don’t act now, we may continue to watch classrooms turn into stages for viral destruction—when they should be sanctuaries for learning and growth.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Who should be held responsible—students, parents, or the system? Let us know in the comments.

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