A recent letter from Tripura ‘s education department about organising a workshop to promote the benefits of cows in schools has sparked a controversy. In a letter sent to district education officers on April 15, Nripendra Chandra Sharma, director of the department, wrote, “This is to enclose herewith a copy of the representation received from the Secretary, Deshi Gobansha Rakshan Sambardhan Samity, Agartala, West Tripura, expressing their intent to organise workshops or seminars in schools to promote awareness and disseminate knowledge about the benefits of cows and their products.” “In this regard, you are requested to communicate to the Principals/Headmasters / Headmistresses /TICs of High and Higher Secondary Schools under your jurisdiction that the scope for such programmes, if deemed appropriate, may be considered strictly at the discretion of the School Management Committees (SMCs) of the concerned schools,” the letter said. Story continues below this ad The letter also stated that the department would not extend any financial assistance to the organising agency and that the SMCs would be responsible for evaluating the relevance and …