In a significant move to align religious education with a nationalist agenda, the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board has announced the incorporation of “Operation Sindoor”—India’s recent military action against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-into the official madrasa curriculum. Board Chairman Mufti Shamoon Qasmi revealed this development on Tuesday after a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where he praised the operation as an “epic” act that merits recognition in classrooms. “We met the Defence Minister and congratulated him and the Prime Minister. Pakistan is an evil country, and this operation was a necessary lesson,” Qasmi stated.
He emphasized that this inclusion is intended to “mainstream” madrasas and ensure they reflect national sentiments. “To bring madrasas into the mainstream, we will include this operation in our curriculum,” he added. The initiative falls under the Uttarakhand Madarsa Board Act of 2016, which grants the board authority over curriculum design and textbook approval. Qasmi had previously suggested introducing Sanskrit and Hindu texts, such as the Ramayan and Mahabharat, into madrasa education, although those proposals have yet to be implemented. The addition of Operation Sindoor marks a significant step toward reshaping religious education in alignment with nationalism.
At the same time, the state government has intensified its crackdown on unregistered madrasas. Following instructions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in December 2024 to strictly adhere to recognition standards, over 180 madrasas have been sealed for operating without valid certification from either the Madrasa Board or the education department. This initiative gained momentum after the Madrasa Board’s Recognition Committee convened for the first time in nearly five years on February 27, just a day before enforcement actions commenced.
Mufti Qasmi was outspoken in his criticism of the Congress party, accusing it of historically alienating Muslims from India’s national identity. “Under CM Dhami’s leadership, we are committed to reversing that trend,” he asserted. The decision to include Operation Sindoor in the curriculum has sparked considerable debate within political and educational circles. Supporters tout it as a progressive measure aimed at national integration, while detractors caution that it may further politicize religious education.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/madrasa-curriculum-in-uttarakhand-to-include-operation-sindoor-1216743-2025-05-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-21 08:55:00
