ABVP protests over inclusion of chapter on Jinnah in Jammu University’s political science syllabus

Student Protests Erupt at Jammu University

Jammu University became the center of a heated controversy on Friday when members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) gathered on campus to voice their strong opposition to the inclusion of a chapter on Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the postgraduate political science syllabus.

The protesters, led by ABVP Jammu and Kashmir secretary Sannak Shrivats, assembled in large numbers, raising slogans against the university administration and demanding the immediate removal of the contentious chapter from the "Modern Indian Political Thought" module under the paper on "Minorities and the Nation."

They went as far as tearing down posters featuring Jinnah, symbolizing their rejection of what they see as an inappropriate glorification of a figure linked to India's partition.

The demonstration highlighted growing tensions between student activism and institutional decisions on curriculum content, drawing attention from across the region.

ABVP's Arguments and Warnings of Escalation

The ABVP activists argued that including Jinnah, along with figures like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, in the syllabus as representatives of minorities is deeply problematic, given their roles in advocating the Two-Nation Theory that led to the division of India.

Sannak Shrivats emphasized that academic freedom must not override national sentiments, calling the decision unacceptable to students who view Jinnah's legacy as divisive.

Shrivats told reporters.

Our government should note that the Department of Political Science at Jammu University has released its syllabus for 2026-2028. In it, under 'Modern Indian Political Thought,' certain individuals are being presented as representatives of minorities, including Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. These are the same individuals who played a role in the partition of the country and propounded the Two-Nation Theory. Teaching about them poses a concern,

He suggested that if minorities need representation, the curriculum should feature those who truly worked for unity and welfare without contributing to the nation's split.

The group warned of intensifying their agitation across Jammu and Kashmir if the chapter is not withdrawn promptly, signaling potential for broader democratic protests.

University's Defense and Formation of Review Committee

In response to the outcry, university officials stood firm, asserting that the chapter aligns with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and is a standard part of political science curricula in numerous institutions nationwide.

Department head Baljit Singh Mann explained that studying Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is essential for understanding the evolution of their ideas, particularly how some held nationalist views early in their careers before shifting stances.

He noted that the syllabus was approved by a dedicated committee, not an individual's whim, and excluding such content would disadvantage students in competitive examinations.

Mann pointed to similar teachings in universities in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Kolkata, underscoring its role in providing historical clarity and diverse viewpoints without endorsing any ideology.

To address the concerns, Jammu University has now set up a special committee to review the controversy, a move aimed at calming tensions while ABVP protests show no signs of abating.

This development reflects the ongoing balancing act between educational comprehensiveness and sensitivity to public sentiment in India's diverse academic landscape.

The protests at Jammu University over the Jinnah chapter have ignited a broader discussion on how history is taught in classrooms, pitting student demands for curriculum changes against the university's commitment to UGC standards and exam preparation. As the review committee deliberates, the situation remains fluid, with both sides holding their ground.