In a swift reversal, the Rajasthan Education Department has withdrawn a controversial directive that instructed schools to observe the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition as 'Shaurya Diwas'. The order, issued by Education Minister Madan Dilawar, was retracted within just 12 hours, with the government citing ongoing school examinations as the primary reason for the cancellation.
Swift Reversal of the Controversial Order
The initial directive, circulated by Director of Secondary Education Sitaram Jat, had asked both public and private schools across Rajasthan to organize a series of educational and cultural activities on December 6. The guidelines aimed to promote patriotism, nationalism, bravery, cultural pride, and national unity among students and staff through various events.
However, at 9:15 am on Sunday, merely half a day after the order was issued, Minister Madan Dilawar officially withdrew the directive. In his statement, Dilawar explained that all schools in the state are currently conducting examinations scheduled for December 5 and 6, making it impossible to conduct any additional activities during this crucial academic period.
Proposed Celebrations and Minister's Defense
Despite the withdrawal, Minister Dilawar strongly defended the original decision to commemorate the day. He emphasized that Lord Ram represents the ideals of Indian culture and that the Ram Mandir movement symbolizes cultural pride. Dilawar stated that learning about the Ram Janmabhoomi movement would inspire students and instill a spirit of patriotism and national unity.
The proposed celebrations included an extensive program featuring:
- Speech and essay competitions focused on Indian culture and the Ram Temple movement
- Painting and poster-making activities themed around the Ayodhya Ram Temple
- Patriotic song presentations and folk dance performances
- Short plays based on historical or mythological episodes
- Exhibitions displaying photographs, articles, and artefacts related to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement
- Group 'surya namaskar' sessions, yoga practice, and special prayer assemblies
- 'Shaurya Yatras' and awareness marches within school premises
- Interactions with military personnel, social workers, and history enthusiasts
Pattern of Controversial Statements
This incident adds to the series of controversial statements and orders issued by Education Minister Madan Dilawar since assuming office. His previous directive making Vande Mataram compulsory in schools, including Madrasas, had drawn sharp criticism from minority groups who viewed it as an imposition.
Dilawar has repeatedly referred to Mughal ruler Akbar as a tyrant and accused the previous Congress government of glorifying him. More recently, he ordered the immediate removal of illegal encroachments and religious sites from government school premises, warning of strict legal action against principals or headmasters who fail to comply.
The withdrawal of the 'Shaurya Diwas' order comes amidst other controversies for the Rajasthan government, including a recent dispute over Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's social media post about farmer-friendly schemes that featured farmers from Jodhpur affected by severe river pollution, leading to the eventual deletion of the post following online criticism.
