Urdu Words in Textbook Spark Controversy in Uttarakhand; Authorities Initiate Investigation"

An inquiry has been initiated in Uttarakhand after parents of a Class 2 student filed a complaint with the district magistrate of Dehradun. They expressed distress when their son started addressing them as "Ammi and Abbu," words for mother and father in Urdu, after reading them in his English school textbook. Manish Mittal, the father of the student, raised objections to the use of these Urdu words in the textbook, claiming it amounted to an assault on religious beliefs and demanded that the book be banned.

The textbook in question, "Gul Mohar 2," published by Orient Black Swan, Hyderabad, has been widely used in the curriculum of Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) schools across the country. Mittal emphasized that Hindi books should use "Mata" and "Pita" for mother and father, while Urdu books should incorporate "Ammi" and "Abbu," urging for the removal of misleading practices.

Education Authorities Respond and Hindu Group Voices Concerns

In response to the complaint, Uttarakhand's school education director, Banshidhar Tiwari, promptly ordered an inquiry. The authorities aim to investigate all aspects of the matter and seek inputs from stakeholders, including parents, educators, and ICSE-affiliated school principals.

Additionally, a Hindu group raised their concerns and submitted a complaint to Dehradun's chief education officer, Pradeep Kumar, urging the removal of the contentious textbook from the curriculum. Kumar affirmed that he sought the opinion of ICSE-affiliated school principals and academics and expressed willingness to communicate directly with the ICSE if necessary.

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The investigation aims to thoroughly examine the usage of Urdu words in the English textbook, assess its implications on religious sentiments, and explore potential alternatives to address the issue in a manner that ensures sensitivity and inclusivity within the educational system.

In conclusion, the controversy over the use of Urdu words in an English school textbook has prompted an inquiry in Uttarakhand. Concerned parents and a Hindu group have raised objections, sparking discussions about religious beliefs and linguistic appropriateness in educational materials. As the inquiry progresses, education authorities strive to address the matter thoughtfully, maintaining a balance between cultural diversity and the preservation of religious sentiments within the school curriculum.