In Seohara block, the suspension of Principal Rafat Khan for getting the school’s name painted in Urdu sparks protests and heated debate over language rights
NEW DELHI/BIJNOR – A heated controversy has erupted in Bijnor’s Seohara block following the suspension of a primary school principal, Rafat Khan, over the decision to have the school’s name displayed in Hindi, English, and Urdu on the school walls. The incident has sparked widespread debate over the status of the Urdu language and raised concerns about discrimination against Muslims in the region.
The school’s walls featured the school’s name painted in Hindi on one side and Urdu on the other. A photograph of the wall soon went viral on social media, triggering outrage among some community members and political groups who opposed the use of Urdu. The Basic Education Officer (BSA) swiftly responded by ordering an investigation, which concluded that no prior permission had been sought before getting the Urdu inscription done.
As a result, the BSA suspended Principal Rafat Khan for what was described as a breach of rules and indiscipline. Officials claimed that any writing or work on school property must receive prior approval, and this protocol was allegedly ignored.
However, this administrative decision has escalated into a broader political and social dispute. Many voices have risen in defence of Principal Khan and the use of Urdu in the school. They argue that Urdu is one of the officially recognised languages of Uttar Pradesh and has a rich cultural and historical significance, especially for the Muslim community.
Local teacher and social activist, Imran Siddiqui, commented: “Urdu is part of our heritage and the constitutional rights of Indian Muslims must be respected. Suspending the principal for simply recognising this language is unfair and sends a worrying message about the place of Urdu in our schools.”
Parents and community members gathered in protest against the suspension, demanding that the principal be reinstated immediately. “Urdu is not just a language, it is our identity,” said Fatima Begum, a parent of a student at the school. “By punishing Principal Khan, the authorities are indirectly targeting the Muslim community.”
On social media, many questioned whether using Urdu would soon be seen as a crime. Hashtags supporting Urdu and Principal Khan trended for days, highlighting the widespread sentiment of many Muslims in Uttar Pradesh feeling marginalised.
Critics of the suspension have also accused the administration of giving in to political pressure and communal bias. “This action appears to be an attempt to suppress the cultural expression of Muslims,” said journalist and commentator Naseem Ali. “It is a clear case of discrimination that must be challenged.”
On the other hand, some individuals and groups opposing the Urdu inscription labelled the act as an ‘Islamisation’ attempt of educational institutions, revealing deep religious fault lines in the area. These voices have often been louder on social media, pushing the narrative that the use of Urdu threatens the local culture, ignoring the language’s historical presence in the region.
Despite the backlash, education officials have not yet reversed their decision. The suspension remains in place, with the principal’s future uncertain.
Legal experts note that Urdu is one of the recognised official languages in Uttar Pradesh, alongside Hindi and English, and its use in schools is protected under state policies. “The rights of linguistic minorities must be upheld in educational institutions,” said Advocate Anwar Khan. “Actions like these undermine the constitutional guarantees and the pluralistic fabric of India.”
This incident is being closely watched by human rights groups and Muslim organisations across the country, who view it as symptomatic of a larger issue concerning the treatment of Muslims and their cultural identity in India.
In conclusion, the controversy in Bijnor reflects the ongoing challenges Indian Muslims face in asserting their rights and cultural heritage. The community’s demand for respect and equality continues amid rising communal tensions and political interference.
“We only ask to live with dignity and have our languages and culture respected,” said Imran Siddiqui. “Our school’s name in Urdu is not a crime, it is a right.”
