The BJP government in Rajasthan has ordered the withdrawal of the book 'Invisible People – Stories of Hope and Courage' by Harsh Mander, from state schools, claiming that the previous Congress government, led by Ashok Gehlot, introduced the book, which allegedly glorifies the culprits of the Godhra incidents while casting doubt on Hindus.
With the directive, all schools must return all copies already distributed and cancel any pending purchase orders.
Harsh Mander, author of the book, which narrates personal experiences depicting the Godhra train attack as a terror conspiracy and the subsequent hardships faced by Muslims. Mander resigned from IAS in the MP-Chhattisgarh cadre, following the riot and launched an NGO and has been engaged in its work since
It may also be noted that Mander, who has written over 25 books, was also subject to a CBI inquiry ordered by the Union Home Ministry last year on allegations of foreign donation law violations.
Education Minister Madan Dilawar has argued that the book propagates misleading narratives regarding the Godhra incident, claiming it has the potential to create divisions within society.
He asserted that the text glorifies individuals responsible for the train fire in Godhra and casts Hindus in a negative light, while also misrepresenting the actions of the Gujarat government during the incident.
In light of these accusations, Dilawar has accused former Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra of deliberately incorporating such controversial material into the curriculum to mislead students.
In response, Dotasra refuted these claims, stating he did not endorse the book during his time in office.
His book includes personal experiences shared by people that depict the Godhra train attack as a terror conspiracy, describe the hardships faced by Muslims afterwards, including violence in relief camps, and claim that some children are still missing while many are forced to live in hiding due to their religious identity.
Harsh Mander, who has worked in various capacities in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh before transitioning to non-governmental work post-retirement, after resigning from civil service.