Rajasthan's Academic Calendar Sparks Political Controversy

The Rajasthan Education Department's new academic calendar for state government schools has ignited a political debate. It proposes celebrating the revocation of Article 370 as 'Swarna Mukut Mastak Diwas' and the birthday of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Congress opposes the BJP-led decision, accusing it of politicizing education.

The Rajasthan Education Department's recently released academic calendar has set off a political firestorm. This calendar suggests that schools celebrate the revocation of Article 370 on August 5 as 'Swarna Mukut Mastak Diwas' and the birthday of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on May 28.

Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in 2019. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra has slammed the BJP-led state government for this move, calling it a 'shameless' attempt to serve its political interests.

'Congress opposes this politicisation of education and imposing its divisive ideology on students,' Dotasra said. This contentious calendar also features dates for celebrating Surya Namaskar Diwas, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, and Mother's Day-Father's Day among others. BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek defended the calendar, asserting that the aim is to inspire students through the lives of noteworthy leaders such as Savarkar and Maharana Pratap.