A Rajasthan government directive asking schools to observe December 6, the anniversary of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, as Shaurya Diwas was withdrawn on Sunday after drawing strong objections from the Opposition and several Muslim organisations.
The withdrawal also revealed a clear lack of coordination within the Education Department. School Education Minister Madan Dilawar said that no events could be organised because school examinations scheduled for December 5 and 6 were already taking place. However, Director of Secondary Education Sitaram Jat insisted he had issued no such instructions and was unaware of how the order was circulated.
The circular, which appeared on an official WhatsApp group late on November 29, was cancelled the next morning with a brief note stating that it had been taken back due to unavoidable circumstances.
Before its recall, the Bikaner-based Secondary Education Directorate had suggested that schools hold cultural activities meant to promote patriotism. The proposed programmes included essay competitions on topics such as India’s cultural legacy, the Ram Mandir movement, valorous traditions, and the role of youth in national development. Painting contests on the Ayodhya temple and Indian warriors, along with exhibitions featuring the Ram Mandir, were also recommended.
The directive sparked immediate criticism. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra accused the government of attempting to portray the demolition of the Babri Masjid as an act of bravery, warning that this could damage communal harmony. Party spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi called the 1992 demolition a crime and accused the BJP government of twisting historical events to impose its political views on students.
Muslim community leaders expressed similar concerns. Mohammed Nazimuddin of the Rajasthan Muslim Forum questioned how a secular government could expect students to commemorate the destruction of a mosque.
