Shivaji Sena Threatens Statewide Protests in UP Over Class 7 Textbook Calling Akbar 'Great'

A fresh controversy has erupted over a Class 7 textbook in Uttar Pradesh government schools that refers to the Mughal ruler Akbar as 'Great'. The Shivaji Sena has demanded an immediate syllabus revision, threatening large-scale protests if the state government fails to act.

A major controversy has once again ignited surrounding the curriculum prescribed in government schools across Uttar Pradesh. The dispute centers on a specific historical chapter about the Mughal ruler Akbar, which is currently being taught to Class 7 students. On Sunday, office bearers of the Shivaji Sena organised a dedicated press conference in Muzaffarnagar to voice their strong objections. During the briefing, the organisation demanded that the state government and the education department make immediate amendments to the school syllabus. The leaders issued a stern warning, stating that if the government fails to take a prompt decision regarding this matter, the organisation will be forced to launch a massive, state-wide agitation. As of now, neither the state government nor the education department has released any official statement addressing the ultimatum, but observers believe that the issue is highly likely to gain further political and social momentum in the coming days.

The Controversial Chapter in the Class 7 Book

The root of this escalating protest lies in a specific textbook titled 'Bharat Ki Mahan Vibhutiyan' (Great Personalities of India), which is part of the standard curriculum for seventh graders. Archit Arya, the district president of the Shivaji Sena, provided detailed insights into the organisation's grievances during the press conference. He pointed out that Chapter 12 of this particular book mentions Akbar and glorifies him as a great personality. The organisation firmly opposes this narrative, arguing instead that the Mughal emperor was actually a cruel and oppressive ruler. The members emphasised that the history taught to young students must be strictly based on factual accuracy. They stressed that children should only be presented with historical information that is widely accepted as the true and authentic history of the nation, rather than what they view as unwarranted glorification.

Raising Questions Through Maharana Pratap's Struggle

While addressing the media, district president Archit Arya specifically highlighted several historical anecdotes and events associated with Akbar's long reign. He asserted that a closer look at historical records reveals that Akbar's administrative policies and personal actions simply do not align with the title of a great ruler. To substantiate his argument, Arya drew a direct comparison by mentioning the legendary warrior Maharana Pratap. He posed a pointed question to the authorities: if Akbar was genuinely a great and just emperor, why did Maharana Pratap have to wage such a fierce and prolonged struggle against him? Based on this reasoning, the organisation has urged the government to thoroughly revise the current syllabus and present historical facts anew, ensuring that the younger generation learns the correct version of events.

Preparations for a Massive Statewide Agitation

Deeply dissatisfied with the current state of the curriculum, the Shivaji Sena has made it clear that they are prepared to escalate their protests. The organisation outlined its future course of action, warning the local administration that patience is running out. According to their stated plan, if the demanded changes are not implemented quickly, the members will first gather at the Muzaffarnagar Collectorate to submit a formal memorandum outlining their objections. Should the government continue to ignore their plea, the protests will not remain confined to Muzaffarnagar. The group has threatened to ignite a full-scale, coordinated agitation across the entirety of Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that historians themselves have long held varying and often conflicting opinions regarding Akbar's rule, his policies, and his overall legacy. Ultimately, the framework for school curricula is determined by educational institutions based on the strict recommendations of expert committees. It remains to be seen how the state's education board will respond to this growing public pressure.

What this means for you
• Across Uttar Pradesh: If the threatened statewide protests actually take place, it could lead to disruptions in daily life and local administrative functions.
• For Students and Parents: The ongoing controversy might result in official revisions to the Class 7 history syllabus, directly affecting what children are taught in schools.

Questions & Answers

1. Which Class 7 textbook is at the center of the controversy?
The dispute is over Chapter 12 of the book 'Bharat Ki Mahan Vibhutiyan', which refers to the Mughal ruler Akbar as a 'great' personality.

2. Which organisation has raised this objection?
The objection was raised by the Shivaji Sena, led by its district president Archit Arya, during a press conference in Muzaffarnagar.

3. What is the Shivaji Sena's argument regarding Akbar?
The organisation argues that Akbar was a cruel ruler and questions why Maharana Pratap had to wage a fierce struggle against him if he was truly great.

4. What will the organisation do if their demands are not met?
They have warned that they will first submit a memorandum at the Muzaffarnagar Collectorate and then launch a large-scale statewide protest across Uttar Pradesh.

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