New Delhi, In a recent development, madrassas in Uttarakhand, affiliated with the Waqf Board, have begun incorporating the study of Ramayana, a significant Sanskrit epic, into their curriculum. This change marks a significant shift in the educational content of these Islamic religious schools.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the curriculum revision in these madrassas is influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a group known for its Hindu nationalist ideology. The incorporation of Ramayana studies in these Islamic institutions is seen as part of a broader attempt by the RSS to infuse educational systems with its ideologies, particularly in regions governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its political wing.
The RSS’s influence has been particularly noted in select madrassas in the districts of Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. Reports suggest that the organization is enforcing a narrative in these schools that aligns with its vision of cultural and religious identity. This intervention by the RSS has raised concerns about the impact on religious freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions. The Waqf Board, traditionally responsible for managing Islamic properties and overseeing educational goals in these institutions, appears to be under pressure to adapt to the RSS’s cultural and religious perspectives.
Moreover, the RSS’s influence has been associated with an increase in divisive narratives and alleged hate speeches targeting the Muslim community. These developments have created an atmosphere of fear and tension, highlighting the contrast between the Waqf Board’s initial goals of promoting cultural understanding and the RSS’s growing dominance in shaping educational content. The situation in Uttarakhand reflects the complex challenges faced by educational institutions in balancing diverse perspectives and upholding religious freedom amid external pressures.