Uttarakhand Madrasas Embrace Operation Sindoor, Qazmi Announces Syllabus Change

Mufti Shamoon Qazmi, President of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Council, announced that Operation Sindoor, India’s military strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The move, aimed at fostering patriotism among 50,000 students, has sparked both praise and debate.

Curriculum Inclusion Details
Qazmi, speaking after meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi, revealed that Operation Sindoor will be taught as a chapter in social studies for students aged 12-18, starting July 2025. The syllabus, approved by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, will cover the operation’s strategic success, the Indian Army’s bravery, and its response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Materials include declassified briefings by Colonel Sofia Qureshi and satellite imagery, emphasizing India’s resolve against terrorism. Qazmi noted the content will be age-appropriate, focusing on national pride.

Patriotic Objectives
The initiative seeks to counter narratives glorifying terrorism, Qazmi said, citing the need to educate youth about India’s sacrifices. “Operation Sindoor showcased our military’s might; our students must learn this heroism,” he stated. The curriculum will highlight the operation’s precision, including strikes on nine LeT and JeM camps, and its diplomatic impact, like India’s UN evidence against TRF. Madrasa teachers will undergo training to ensure sensitive delivery, avoiding communal overtones.

Mixed Reactions
While BJP leaders like Anil Baluni praised the move as a step toward national integration, critics, including Congress’s Harish Rawat, called it a political ploy to polarize voters. X posts reflected divided sentiments, with some hailing the “patriotic syllabus” and others questioning its place in religious institutions. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board urged neutrality, fearing misinterpretation. Qazmi countered, insisting the focus is unity, not division.

Broader Implications
Uttarakhand’s decision, backed by the state’s education board, could set a precedent for other states. With madrasas already teaching NCERT subjects, adding Operation Sindoor aligns with modernizing efforts. As the syllabus rolls out, its success will hinge on balanced implementation, ensuring it inspires pride without fueling controversy in India’s diverse educational landscape.