Rajasthan Government's Swift Reversal on 'Shaurya Diwas' Celebration in Schools
The Rajasthan Education Department executed a dramatic about-face, retracting an order that had instructed schools to observe December 6 as 'Shaurya Diwas' merely 12 hours after its issuance. This date marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.
The Controversial Order and Its Rapid Withdrawal
On Sunday, Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar had directed both public and private schools across Rajasthan to commemorate the day through various activities aimed at fostering patriotism and national unity. The directive was formally circulated by Director of Secondary Education Sitaram Jat, who provided detailed guidelines to educational institutions.
However, by 9:15 AM on the same day, the minister officially withdrew the controversial order. In his withdrawal statement, Dilawar explained that all schools in the state are currently conducting examinations scheduled for December 5 and 6, making it impractical to organize additional events during this crucial academic period. Consequently, the 'Shaurya Diwas' celebrations were officially postponed.
Planned Activities and Minister's Justification
Despite the withdrawal, Minister Dilawar defended the original decision, emphasizing that Lord Ram represents the ideals of Indian culture and that the Ram Mandir movement symbolizes cultural pride. He asserted that learning about the Ram Janmabhoomi movement would inspire students and instill patriotic values.
The now-retracted circular had outlined an extensive program of activities including:
- Speech and essay competitions focusing 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 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
The guidelines also proposed inviting military personnel, social workers, and history enthusiasts as guest speakers to interact with students.
Context: Minister's History of Controversial Directives
This incident represents the latest in a series of controversial statements and orders from Education Minister Madan Dilawar since assuming office. His previous directive making Vande Mataram compulsory in schools, including Madrasas, drew sharp criticism from minority groups who viewed it as an imposition.
Dilawar has repeatedly described 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, threatening strict legal action against principals found non-compliant.
The 'Shaurya Diwas' order withdrawal occurred amidst political turbulence in Rajasthan, coming just one day after Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma faced online criticism for a now-deleted social media post about farmer-friendly schemes that used footage of farmers affected by the polluted Jojri River in Jodhpur.
