Order to mark December 6 as ‘Shaurya Diwas’ in Rajasthan schools revoked after criticism

The controversial order, which ordered all schools in Rajasthan to celebrate December 6, the day the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, as “Shaurya Diwas”, was recalled by the government on Sunday after drawing backlash from the opposition and Muslim groups.

The order, published in an official WhatsApp group on Saturday night, was recalled due to ‘unavoidable circumstances’.

The statement said, “The order has been withdrawn due to exigent circumstances.”
However, Board of Secondary Education Director Sitaram Jat told PTI that no such instructions were given to schools. “No such instructions were given to schools. I don’t know how it was distributed,” he said.

In an order issued late on Saturday, the Directorate of Secondary Education in Bikaner directed government and private schools to organize cultural programs aimed at “increasing patriotism” among students.

The guidelines suggested holding essay competitions on themes such as Indian cultural pride and the Ram Mandir movement, traditions of courage and sacrifice, and the role of youth in nation-building. Schools have been asked to organize art competitions on Ayodhya Ram Mandir and Indian warriors and display exhibitions at the Ram temple.

The Emir had begun to face harsh criticism from the Congress and Muslim groups.