The first Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Modern Madrasa is set to open in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, marking the beginning of state-backed restructuring of Islamic seminaries.
However, religious leaders and madrasa administrators are pushing back, calling it a blatant attempt to erode the identity and purpose of madrasas.
As part of its madrasa modernization drive, Uttarakhand Waqf Board has introduced a new set of regulations. Madrasas will now include lessons on the ideals of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. Classes will start with the national anthem, and retired defense personnel will be involved in promoting discipline and physical fitness.
Additionally, the board has banned the enrollment of students from outside the state in these institutions.
New Changes in Madrasa Curriculum
In furtherance to this initiative, the first “modern madrasa” will be established near Dehradun railway station in a Muslim-majority area. The government has officially approved the project, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami calling it a “dream initiative” aimed at improving education for Muslim students.
Shadab Shams, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board, told The New Indian Express that the Dehradun madrasa will be inaugurated in April, with plans to upgrade 117 more under the board’s jurisdiction.
However, his remarks stirred controversy. Comparing madrasas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to “hubs of terrorism,” Shams said Uttarakhand’s seminaries would instead be based on “nationalist principles” under the state’s education model.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.
