“If they (govt) do not restore the name, we will protest. We will not allow anyone to erase the memory of a national hero,” Jamil Alam, Veer Abdul Hameed’s grandson said
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, the education department’s decision to rename a school dedicated to Veer Abdul Hameed, a hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, has sparked intense outrage. The school, previously known as “Veer Abdul Hameed School,” has been renamed “PM Shri Composite Vidyalaya Dhampur,” drawing harsh criticism from the martyr’s family, opposition leaders, and civil society groups.
Jamil Alam, Veer Abdul Hameed’s grandson, condemned the decision as a deliberate attempt to erase his grandfather’s legacy. “This is not just about a name – it’s about honouring a man who gave his life defending the nation. Changing the name is arbitrary and insulting,” Alam said. He has lodged an official complaint with Ghazipur’s Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Hemant Rao, demanding the immediate restoration of the school’s original name.
Alam warned that if the government fails to act, the family will mobilise public support. “If they do not restore the name, we will protest. We will not allow anyone to erase the memory of a national hero,” he declared.
The school’s headmaster claimed that Veer Abdul Hameed’s name was never officially recorded in school documents. However, critics argue that this is a weak excuse to justify a politically motivated decision.
In response to the controversy, BSA Hemant Rao promised a thorough inquiry. “I will personally investigate the matter and ensure the legacy of our martyrs is respected. If there are any procedural lapses, we will take appropriate action,” he said.
Opposition parties have reacted fiercely, accusing the BJP-led government of targeting Muslim figures and erasing their contributions to the nation’s history.
Congress leader Chandrashekhar Azad Rao called the move “a calculated insult” and questioned the government’s motives. “Why are institutions named after Muslim martyrs being targeted? This is nothing but an attempt to rewrite history and suppress the contributions of Muslims to India’s freedom and security,” he said.
Azad Rao demanded an immediate reversal of the decision. “If the government has any respect for our martyrs, it will restore the original name. Anything less is an insult to the blood shed for this country,” he added.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government via social media platform X. “This is not just a name change – it’s an attack on our collective memory and the bravery of a Muslim soldier who defended our borders. The government must stop this shameful act and restore the school’s name,” he wrote.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abdul Hafiz alleged that the BJP’s agenda is to systematically erase Muslim identity from public institutions. “This is part of a larger campaign to erase Muslim contributions. Today it’s Veer Abdul Hameed’s school – tomorrow it could be any other Muslim hero’s legacy,” he warned.
Civil society organisations and community leaders have also joined the chorus of condemnation. Prominent social activist Dr. Asad Warsi described the renaming as a “blatant insult to national heroes.”
“Veer Abdul Hameed is a symbol of patriotism and courage. By changing the school’s name, the government is dishonouring his memory and sending a clear message that the sacrifices of Muslim soldiers do not matter,” Warsi said.
Local residents expressed deep anger over the move, calling it a betrayal of the town’s pride. “Veer Abdul Hameed is our hero – he gave his life for this country. Renaming the school is like spitting on his grave,” said Mohammad Rizwan, a community leader from Ghazipur.
Some have also accused the government of trying to shift focus from pressing issues by engaging in divisive politics. “Instead of improving education or addressing unemployment, they are busy renaming schools to push their hateful agenda,” said local resident Firoz Khan.
Critics argue that the renaming fits into a broader pattern of revising historical narratives to align with the ruling party’s ideological agenda.
“This is not an isolated incident – it’s part of a systematic effort to rewrite history and minimise the contributions of Muslims to India’s nation-building,” said political analyst Dr Shabnam Qureshi.
Qureshi pointed out that similar controversies have erupted in other parts of the country. “From renaming cities to erasing the names of Muslim heroes, this government is attempting to whitewash history,” she said.
As the backlash intensifies, the government faces mounting pressure to reverse its decision. Community leaders have hinted at organising mass protests if the name is not restored.
“The people will not stand by silently while their heroes are disrespected. If the government does not reverse this shameful decision, we will take to the streets,” warned Jamil Alam.
With the controversy showing no signs of dying down, all eyes are on the Uttar Pradesh government’s next move – whether it will listen to the voices of the people or push forward with what many see as an effort to erase the legacy of Muslim patriots.