The number of Muslim students in the schools run by Vidya Bharati, the educational wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has witnessed an increase of approximately 30% in the past three years, reports Times of India.

The desire to get a quality education is being seen as the prime reason behind the rise in the number of Muslims and Christian student enrolling in Vidya Bharati schools, the report quoted a top official in Vidya Bharati school as saying.

Approximately 30 per cent increase has been seen in the last three years with regards to Muslim students studying in Vidya Bharati.

Muslim students not only excel in academics but also recite ‘shlokas’ and ‘bhojan mantras’. In the recently concluded ‘Khelo India Youth Games’ held in Guwahati Mohammad Afsar and Mohammad Sahban, students of Jwala Devi Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College, Prayagraj, won gold in the hammer throw.

Chintamani Singh, additional secretary, Vidya Bharati (East Uttar Pradesh), said, “As many as 12,000 Muslim and Christian students are studying in our schools in UP. Around 9,037 Muslim and 10 Christian students are pursuing studies in 1,194 schools in east UP. The remaining are in west UP.” Additionally, the schools have recruited Muslims teachers as well.

Saraswati Shishu Mandir and Saraswati Vidya Mandir schools are attracting many Muslim boys and girls and they have also brought laurels to their schools in sports, cultural activities and academics.