Students, teachers forced to say Hindu prayers

GANDHINAGAR, India — A new law in India, which religious leaders say is designed to ward off more earthquakes like the one that killed an estimated 30,000 people last year, requires all students and teachers in Gujarat State to pray to Hindu gods.

Both public and religion schools must provide photographic proof that students and teachers are complying with the law. While the state’s high court has ruled that schools cannot be forced to comply, Hindu leaders are pressing for its enforcement.

The law was approved by the state assembly Jan. 25, a day shy of the one-year anniversary of last year’s earthquake. Hindu leaders hoped that the prayers would help ward off future catastrophes in the area.