Urdu phrase on farewell cards lands Rajasthan school principal in trouble
Baran (Rajasthan): The principal of a school in in Rajasthan is facing an investigation after he wrote the Urdu phrase “Jashn-e-Alvida” on the farewell cards of Class 12 students
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Muslim community members view the move as part of the deep-rooted bias against Urdu, which is often wrongly associated exclusively with Muslims.
Vikesh Kumar, principal of Mahatma Gandhi Rajkiya Vidyalaya, Shahabad town of Baran district organised a farewell function for the students on February 28, 2025. The invitation cards for the ceremony had the Urdu phrase written on them, which was criticised by Hindutva affiliates.
The controversy over the matter escalated, leading to complaints being filed with the education minister, local MLA, and district collector. In response, Chief District Education Officer Gainda Lal Raigar issued an order to form a three-member inquiry team to investigate the issue.
Several Urdu scholars and activists have strongly condemned the investigation against the prinicpal, calling it an attack on India’s linguistic heritage. They argue that Urdu is not a language of Muslims alone but a language deeply embedded in India’s cultural fabric.
Prominent historian Dr Shahnawaz Alam stated, “It is deeply disturbing that Urdu is constantly targeted as if the language is foreign or communal. Urdu is as Indian as Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali. It has been nurtured by both Hindus and Muslims, and its literature is a testimony to India’s shared cultural legacy.”
Renowned poet and writer Javed Anwar remarked, “The issue here is not just about a farewell card. This is part of a larger trend of targeting anything associated with Muslims. But the irony is that Urdu was developed and enriched by non-Muslims as much as Muslims.”
