The Rajasthan government's new academic calendar for state-run schools has ignited a political storm, with the opposition Congress vehemently criticizing the inclusion of certain dates for commemoration.
The secondary education department's calendar, released on Sunday, proposes observing August 5 as 'Swarna Mukut Mastak Diwas' to mark the abrogation of Article 370. Additionally, it suggests celebrating the birth anniversary of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on May 28.
Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra has termed the move as a "shameless attempt" to politicize education. He accused the BJP-led state government of imposing its ideology on students. The opposition party has strongly opposed the inclusion of these dates in the academic calendar.
The calendar also features other significant days like Surya Namaskar Diwas, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, and Subhas Chandra Bose Diwas.
This controversy comes on the heels of a similar issue in the primary education department's calendar, which included the celebration of the Ram temple consecration. Education Minister Madan Dilawar has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal of historical figures like Savarkar and Maharana Pratap in textbooks, alleging a biased narrative.
The new academic calendar has reopened the debate on the role of education in shaping societal values and the extent to which government policies should influence the curriculum.