School administration faces embarrassment after removing the name of 1965 war hero, with the martyr’s family demanding accountability.
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The administration of a primary school in Ghazipur has reversed its decision to change the name of the institution, which was previously dedicated to Param Vir Chakra awardee Veer Abdul Hameed, a hero of the 1965 India-Pakistan war. The name change, which had sparked a wave of protests from Hameed’s family and across the country, was acknowledged as an error by the authorities, who swiftly restored the school’s original name, ‘Shaheed Hameed Vidyalaya’.
The controversy erupted when, following recent renovations, the school’s signbord was altered to read ‘PM Shri Composite School’, effectively erasing the legacy of one of India’s most celebrated martyrs. This prompted a backlash from the family of the martyr and concerned citizens, leading to an embarrassing situation for the government.
The issue was brought to light by Jamil Ahmed, the grandson of Veer Abdul Hameed, who noticed the name change while visiting the school. He immediately approached the school’s principal, Ajay Kushwaha, to express his concern. In response, he was advised to reach out to the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), Hemant Rao. Speaking about the incident, Jamil Ahmed said, “My grandfather’s legacy was being erased, and I could not remain silent. It is a matter of immense pride for our family, and to see his name removed was deeply upsetting.”
Veer Abdul Hameed, a resident of Dhamupur village, had attended this very school during his childhood, making its association with his name all the more significant. The primary school had been named ‘Shaheed Hameed Vidyalaya’ in 1982, following a directive from Uttar Pradesh’s then-Cabinet Minister Shivpal Yadav, in recognition of Hameed’s heroism during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
In response to the uproar, the government, under intense public pressure, reversed its decision and reinstated the name ‘Shaheed Hameed Vidyalaya’. Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Hemant Rao confirmed the restoration of the name on the school’s main gate, stating, “The name of Martyr Veer Abdul Hameed has been rewritten on the main gate of the school, and it is also recorded on the wall inside the school as well.”
Rao further assured that the school would now be properly documented with the martyr’s name. “A proposal has been sent to the government to ensure that his name is officially recorded in the school’s records,” he added.
The administration acknowledged that the name change was not the result of any government decision but rather a mistake made by the school’s principal. “The error was made by the school headmaster,” said BSA Rao. “We are taking steps to ensure that such a mistake is not repeated, and the legacy of Martyr Abdul Hameed is preserved as it should be.”
The principal of Dhamupur Primary School, Ajay Kushwaha, had failed to include Abdul Hameed’s name in the school’s records when the institution was re-designated as a ‘composite school’ in 2019. As a result, the name change was not officially recognized, which led to the oversight during the recent renovation work. Jamil Alam, the grandson of the martyr, criticized the principal’s failure to respect the school’s historical significance. “My grandfather’s name was the pride of this school. It’s a shame that such an error occurred,” Alam said.
Following the controversy, BSA Hemant Rao clarified that a formal proposal for the inclusion of Abdul Hameed’s name had been forwarded to the government, and the necessary changes would now be made to the school’s official records.
Veer Abdul Hameed, born on 1 July 1933 in Dhamupur, Ghazipur, is a symbol of bravery and patriotism. After joining the Indian Army at the age of 20, Hameed displayed exceptional courage during the 1965 war with Pakistan, particularly during the Battle of Asal Uttar, where he destroyed eight Pakistani Patton tanks using only a recoilless rifle. Despite being surrounded, Hameed fought valiantly until he was martyred. For his indomitable courage, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
His legacy as a war hero is cherished by the people of India, particularly in Ghazipur, where he was born. The school in his honor had become a symbol of his sacrifice, and its renaming sparked widespread outrage, especially among those who hold Abdul Hameed’s memory dear.
The decision to restore the name of the school has been widely praised by members of the public, including the martyr’s family. Local residents and politicians have expressed their approval, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by war heroes like Abdul Hameed.
“I am glad that the authorities have corrected this mistake,” said a local resident. “Veer Abdul Hameed’s sacrifice should never be forgotten, and it is good to see the government take swift action to restore his name.”
The controversy, however, has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of war heroes and the importance of preserving historical memory in India. Critics argue that such errors undermine the respect and recognition owed to the nation’s heroes and raise questions about the administrative processes that allowed such an incident to occur.
The restoration of the name to ‘Shaheed Hameed Vidyalaya’ marks a small victory for those who fought to preserve the legacy of a national hero. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding the nation’s history and ensuring that the contributions of its heroes are never forgotten.
The school’s principal, Ajay Kushwaha, has since apologised for the oversight, acknowledging that the error was a grave mistake. “I deeply regret the error and am committed to ensuring that Abdul Hameed’s name continues to be honoured in the manner he deserves,” he stated.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of historical preservation, particularly in rural areas where the legacy of war heroes is sometimes at risk of being overshadowed by administrative errors. Moving forward, the government is expected to take additional measures to ensure that the legacies of India’s war heroes are properly recognised and documented in educational institutions across the country.
As the name of ‘Shaheed Hameed Vidyalaya’ is restored, the people of Ghazipur and the family of Abdul Hameed can once again take pride in the enduring memory of a true national hero.
