Indian authorities are considering the removal of a chapter dedicated to Pakistan’s national poet, Muhammad Iqbal, from the syllabus of the bachelor’s sixth year, according to a report by NDTV on Saturday.
The Academic Council of Delhi University has reportedly passed a motion to drop the chapter on Iqbal, which is currently included in political science books. This decision, driven by a history-phobic and anti-Pakistan sentiment, has been welcomed by a right-wing student body, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
In their statement, ABVP argued that Iqbal, often referred to as Allama Iqbal, is considered the “philosophical father of Pakistan” and played a significant role in establishing Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a leader in the Muslim League. They claim that Iqbal shares responsibility for India’s partition.
The chapter in question, titled “Modern Indian Political Thought,” is part of the sixth-semester paper for the Bachelor of Arts program. The final decision regarding the exclusion of the chapter will be made by the Executive Council of the university.
The syllabus mentions that the course aims to provide students with an understanding of the richness and diversity within Indian political thought, with the unit on Iqbal focusing on the theme of community.
It is worth noting that Allama Iqbal is renowned for his iconic patriotic poetry, including “Saare Jahan se Accha,” which is cherished by India. The song, written in pre-partition India, expresses admiration for Hindustan, encompassing present-day Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Although India holds the song dear, Allama Iqbal is recognized as Pakistan’s national poet for his role in advocating for a separate homeland for Muslims, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.
The exclusion of the Allama Iqbal chapter has sparked controversy, highlighting the ongoing complexities and historical sensitivities between the two neighboring nations.
