The decision has sparked outrage among Muslim leaders, Urdu scholars, and educators who view the move as an attack on the linguistic and cultural rights of the Urdu-speaking community.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI- The Rajasthan state’s Education Department has instructed Mahatma Gandhi Government School (RAC Battalion) in Jaipur to suspend Urdu classes and introduce Sanskrit as an alternative third language.
An official order issued on 10 February cites a directive from the office of Education Minister Madan Dilawar’s Special Assistant, Jai Narayan Meena. The order states, “The Minister has instructed the creation of posts for Sanskrit teachers and the discontinuation of Urdu classes. Therefore, the school must submit a proposal to include Sanskrit as the third language.”
According to a Times of India report, Satish Gupta, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Education Minister, justified the move by claiming that very few students opted for Urdu in the school. However, amid growing opposition from educators, the Minister’s Media Coordinator refuted the claims on Thursday, stating, “No such order has been issued under the Minister’s instructions.”
The decision has sparked outrage among Muslim leaders, Urdu scholars, and educators who view the move as an attack on the linguistic and cultural rights of the Urdu-speaking community.
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, a prominent Muslim intellectual, strongly condemned the decision, saying, “This is a deliberate attempt to erase Urdu, which is deeply rooted in India’s cultural and historical fabric. Such policies marginalise minority communities and violate the spirit of our Constitution.”
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali expressed concern over the government’s intentions. He remarked, “Targeting Urdu is part of a broader agenda to push minorities to the margins. It is unacceptable and must be opposed firmly.”
Renowned Urdu scholar Professor Akhtarul Wasey criticised the move, stating, “Urdu is not merely a language of Muslims; it represents the shared cultural heritage of India. The decision to replace it with Sanskrit reflects a narrow and exclusionary vision.”
Social activist and former AMU professor Dr Rahat Abrar questioned the rationale behind the decision. He said, “If student numbers are the concern, why not encourage more students to learn Urdu rather than eliminating it? This is nothing short of cultural discrimination.”
The move has also drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and minority groups.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot accused the Rajasthan government of pursuing an ideological agenda. He said, “By removing Urdu from schools, the government is sending a clear message that the culture and identity of minorities do not matter. This decision must be reversed immediately.”
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the BJP-led government, saying, “This is part of a systematic effort to erase Muslim identity. First, they target our history, and now they are targeting our language. We will not remain silent.”
Local Muslim organisations in Rajasthan have called for protests against the decision. Abdul Wahid, a member of the Rajasthan Muslim Forum, warned, “If the government does not withdraw this order, we will launch a state-wide agitation to protect our language and our rights.”
Educators and linguists argue that removing Urdu from the curriculum will deprive future generations of access to a rich linguistic and literary tradition.
Urdu teacher Shabnam Parveen, who has taught in Rajasthan schools for over a decade, expressed her dismay: “This decision is not just about a language—it is about identity, history, and cultural pride. Students have the right to learn in their mother tongue.”
Senior journalist and Urdu columnist Shams Tabrez remarked, “The move is an attack on India’s composite culture. Urdu is not just the language of Muslims—it belongs to every Indian who values cultural pluralism.”
With this directive, the future of Urdu in Rajasthan’s government schools remains uncertain. Education advocates are urging the government to reconsider the decision, emphasising the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion in the curriculum.
Despite the backlash, the Rajasthan government has defended its stance, claiming the decision is based on administrative reasons and low student enrolment. However, with protests brewing and public opposition mounting, the battle to protect Urdu’s place in Rajasthan’s schools is far from over.
