Additional General Secretary National Conference and Former Minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today described as unfortunate the reported decision to modify the Political Science Syllabus at Jammu University, particularly the removal of chapters relating to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Allama Iqbal, saying their immense intellectual and historical contributions cannot be overlooked.
In a statement issued here, Mr Sadhotra urged restraint and balance in the ongoing discourse, emphasizing that issues concerning education must be handled with due regard to public sentiments, academic standards and institutional dignity.
He said universities are respected centres and seat of highest learning. And any revision in curriculum should be guided by academic merit and wider consultation rather than any narrow or myopic prejudice.
Mr Sadhotra said that towering personalities like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Allama Iqbal have played a significant role in shaping intellectual thought and social reform in the subcontinent, and their study forms an important part of academic engagement and historical understanding.
He stressed that intellectual debates should not lead to avoidable divisions. He called upon the university authorities, faculty and academic bodies to deliberate collectively in a transparent and inclusive manner, keeping in view the broader societal context.
Maintaining that education must promote critical thinking and balanced understanding, Mr Sadhotra said academic institutions should strengthen their credibility by encouraging informed dialogue rather than precipitate decisions.
