RJD Responds to ABVP's Call to Omit Jinnah from Curriculum: History Must Be Understood Fully
Synopsis
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha firmly asserts that history is unchangeable and should be understood in its entirety, in response to ABVP's demand to remove Muhammad Ali Jinnah from academic syllabi. This controversy raises questions about how historical narratives are shaped and taught.
Key Takeaways
History is unchangeable and must be understood in context.
The demand to remove Jinnah raises important questions about historical narratives .
Protests reflect a growing trend of political influence in education.
The University of Jammu is responding to concerns while adhering to UGC guidelines .
Engaging with historical figures is crucial for understanding India's complex past.
New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) In reaction to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)'s request for the swift removal of Muhammad Ali Jinnah from educational syllabi, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha stated on Saturday that history is immutable and should be comprehended in its complete context.
While speaking to IANS, Jha challenged the logic behind such requests and underscored the significance of studying historical personalities within their appropriate context.
“I find it perplexing to determine who has the authority to comment on which subject. If you eliminate Muhammad Ali Jinnah, how will you grasp the Two-Nation Theory?” he questioned.
He added, “How will we critically analyze the ideas that fueled the fight for Independence? It is impossible to perform surgery on history. What we are currently witnessing is an effort to reshape narratives. In the future, filmmakers might also be instructed to portray history in a specific light. Such trends are already evident.”
Jha warned against the distortion of historical truths, stating, “Whenever you wish to create fictional interpretations, feel free to do so, but do not alter history. This is a disservice to our nation's past and an attempt to undermine it. If someone were to request the removal of the Delhi Sultanate from textbooks tomorrow, how would we comprehend historical transitions? History is not a void; it is a continuous narrative.”
Meanwhile, the ABVP conducted protests at the University of Jammu, insisting on the removal of a chapter concerning the former Pakistan president Muhammad Ali Jinnah from the revised postgraduate political science syllabus introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
However, the university administration affirmed that Jinnah's inclusion in the syllabus is in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and is consistent with curricula employed by numerous universities nationwide.
Led by ABVP Jammu and Kashmir secretary Sannak Shrivats, demonstrators gathered on campus, chanting slogans against the administration and demanding the immediate removal of the chapter from the 'Modern Indian Political Thought' module within the paper ‘Minorities and the Nation’.
The protesters even vandalized posters of Jinnah and warned of escalating their agitation if the content is not excluded.
In response, the University of Jammu administration has established a committee to investigate the matter. An official order from the Office of the Dean Academic Affairs indicates that this committee has been formed at the behest of the Vice-Chancellor and is expected to submit its report promptly.
Point of View
This situation highlights the delicate balance between educational integrity and political influence. The call to remove figures like Jinnah from curricula raises significant concerns about historical accountability and the understanding of India's past.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the ABVP want Jinnah removed from the syllabus?
The ABVP believes that Jinnah's inclusion promotes ideologies contrary to India's national integrity.
What is the Two-Nation Theory?
The Two-Nation Theory argues that Muslims and Hindus are two distinct nations, which was a foundational principle for the creation of Pakistan.
How has the University of Jammu responded to the protests?
The University has established a committee to assess the situation, adhering to UGC guidelines.
What does RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha advocate for?
Jha advocates for a complete understanding of history, emphasizing that altering historical narratives is detrimental.
What are the potential consequences of altering history in education?
Altering historical content can lead to a distorted understanding of the past and diminish the significance of historical events.
