Rajasthan minister asks schools to celebrate Babri Masjid demolition day as ‘Shaurya Diwas’, later withdraws order citing exams

However, at 9.15 am on Sunday, the minister withdrew the order. In a statement issued, Dilawar stated, “All schools in the state are currently conducting examinations, which will be held from December 5 and 6. Therefore, it is not possible to conduct any other activities or events in schools during the examination period. Therefore, the ‘Shaurya Diwas’ celebrations are postponed.”

However, the minister defended the decision to celebrate the day. Dilawar said Lord Ram represents the ideals of Indian culture, and that the Ram Mandir movement symbolises cultural pride. He stated that learning about the Ram Janmabhoomi movement will “inspire students and instil a spirit of patriotism and national unity”.

As part of the proposed celebrations, schools were asked to conduct speech and essay competitions on Indian culture and the Ram Temple movement, as well as painting and poster-making activities themed on the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Patriotic song presentations, folk dance performances, and short plays based on historical or mythological episodes were also proposed.

Exhibitions displaying photographs, articles, and artefacts related to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and other “heroic events” in Indian history were also proposed to be part of the observance.

The circular additionally instructed schools to hold group ‘surya namaskar’ sessions, yoga practice, and a special prayer assembly beginning with hymns and aarti dedicated to Lord Ram. ‘Shaurya Yatras’ and awareness marches might also be conducted within school premises, as per the circular. Military personnel, social workers, and history enthusiasts were to be invited as guests to interact with students.

Madan Dilawar’s controversial remarks

Dilawar has issued several controversial statements and orders since taking office as Education Minister. His order to make Vande Mataram compulsory in schools, including Madrasas, triggered sharp criticism from minority groups, who called it an imposition. On many occasions, he called Mughal ruler Akbar a tyrant and accused the previous Congress government of glorifying him.

A few days ago, Dilawar stated, “Illegal encroachments and religious sites (such as shrines, temples, or other shrines) on government school premises must be immediately removed. If such sites are found in any school, strict legal action will be taken against the principal/headmaster.”

Row over CM Bhajanlal Sharma’s post on schemes for farmers

The ‘Shaurya Diwas’ order withdrawal came one day after a dispute arose in Rajasthan, following a post on X by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma that claimed the government was “farmer-friendly” and that schemes like Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) will boost prosperity. The accompanying video showed smiling farmers alongside visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Sharma.

However, the farmers featured in the clip were from Jodhpur, where fields near the polluted Jojri River have suffered severe damage for years due to contaminated water. The family shown in the video cultivates the land on lease, and locals have long demanded strong action to control the river’s pollution. Following online criticism, the post was deleted from the CM’s account.