Rajasthan Govt probes ‘Jashn-e-Alvida’ use as if Urdu were not an Indian language

It would be bizarre to know that a constitutionally recognised Indian language faces scrutiny in BJP-ruled Rajasthan, as the Education Department has begun a probe into the use of Urdu on a programme invitation at a school, where officials reportedly visited after the invitation became controversial,

The event, organised at the Mahatma Gandhi Government School in Shahabad, was intended to recognise talent and bid farewell to class 12 students, but the invitation cards bearing the title ‘Jashn-e-Alvida’ in Hindi, along with an image of Goddess Saraswati, led to controversy, The Indian Express reported.

As images of the invitation card circulated on social media, the District Education Office in Baran constituted a three-member inquiry team to examine the matter, stating that the inscription on the card was inconsistent with departmental guidelines.

The investigation committee, led by the Chief Block Education Officer of Kishanganj and comprising principals from two other schools, visited the school and collected relevant materials, including students’ proposals, staff meeting records, and videos of the programme.

The school authorities had initially approved the title following suggestions from some Muslim students and consent from parents at a School Development Management Committee meeting, but concerns over its alignment with official norms led to a decision to withdraw the cards. Despite the recall, some copies remained with students and eventually surfaced on social media, drawing media attention and prompting the inquiry.

During the investigation, officials gathered various documents and evidence related to the function while journalists and SDMC members were also present at the school. The probe report is currently being prepared and will be submitted soon, though officials have not disclosed any preliminary findings.