The phrase ‘Jashn-e-Alvida’ triggers education department probe amid debate over safeguarding the country’s linguistic heritage
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
BARAN (Rajasthan) – The principal of a school in Shahabad town of Baran district in Rajasthan is facing an investigation after he wrote the Urdu phrase “Jashn-e-Alvida” on the farewell cards of Class 12 students. The controversy has led to a widespread debate, with many alleging that the issue stems from a deep-rooted bias against Urdu, which is often wrongly associated exclusively with Muslims.
Vikesh Kumar, principal of Mahatma Gandhi Rajkiya Vidyalaya, Shahabad, organised a farewell function for the students on February 28, 2025. The invitation cards for the ceremony had the Urdu phrase written on them, which was criticised by some and deemed inappropriate.
The controversy over the matter escalated, leading to complaints being filed with the education minister, local MLA, and district collector. In response, Chief District Education Officer Gainda Lal Raigar issued an order to form a three-member inquiry team to investigate the issue.
Several Urdu scholars and activists have strongly condemned the controversy, calling it an attack on India’s linguistic heritage. They argue that Urdu is not a language of Muslims alone but a language deeply embedded in India’s cultural fabric.
Prominent historian Dr Shahnawaz Alam stated, “It is deeply disturbing that Urdu is constantly targeted as if the language is foreign or communal. Urdu is as Indian as Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali. It has been nurtured by both Hindus and Muslims, and its literature is a testimony to India’s shared cultural legacy.”
Renowned poet and writer Javed Anwar remarked, “The issue here is not just about a farewell card. This is part of a larger trend of targeting anything associated with Muslims. But the irony is that Urdu was developed and enriched by non-Muslims as much as Muslims.”
Be it Urdu poetry or prose, elegance or oratory, criticism or research, drama or reportage, the contributions of non-Muslim intellectuals have been invaluable in shaping the language. The contributions of figures such as Munshi Premchand, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Rajendra Singh Bedi Sahar, Gopichand Narang, and Amrita Pritam highlight the secular and inclusive nature of Urdu literature.
The investigation team, consisting of education officials from the Kishanganj region, has been tasked with submitting a report with clear recommendations. The order also mandates that disciplinary action proposals, including charge sheets and supporting evidence, be provided if any staff member is found guilty.
Principal Vikesh Kumar clarified that the farewell ceremony was held at the request of the students and with the approval of the School Management Committee (SMC). He said cards with the Urdu phrase were printed but were not officially distributed as they were deemed inappropriate. Instead, new cards without the phrase were used. He termed the circulation of the controversial cards a mistake committed by the students.
Kumar confirmed that the investigation team has completed its probe, and school staff, local dignitaries, and journalists have submitted their statements. The outcome of the investigation and possible disciplinary action are pending.
In response to the incident, social activist Ramesh Trivedi said, “This is not about language, it is about communal politics. Urdu played a key role in India’s freedom struggle. Leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil and Pandit Brij Narayan Chakbast wrote patriotic poetry in Urdu. To target Urdu is to erase our own history.”
The issue has drawn political reactions, with opposition leaders criticising the government for targeting an Indian language based on communal bias.
“This controversy is unnecessary and harmful. The BJP government is deliberately creating a rift by portraying Urdu as a foreign language when it is as much a part of India’s heritage as Hindi,” said Congress leader Anand Sharma.
The controversy has again brought attention to the importance of preserving India’s linguistic diversity. Linguist Professor Arvind Mishra stated, “Erasing Urdu from public spaces is an attempt to rewrite history. Urdu belongs to all Indians, regardless of religion. Its rich heritage should be celebrated, not targeted.”
