Srinagar, Dec 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has clarified that the chapter on revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam has not been removed from the curriculum, instead reassigned to other subjects as part of a broader curriculum rationalization process.
In a statement to Rising Kashmir, JKBOSE official explained that the chapter on the revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam was not removed from the Class IX English textbook, rather have been incorporated into other subjects for a more comprehensive learning experience.
“His teachings and contributions will remain an integral part of the educational syllabus,” JKBOSE official said. These teachings, the official emphasised, “the move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to streamline the curriculum, reduce content overload for students, and foster creative learning,” the official said.
Sheikh-ul-Alam’s life and teachings, the official clarified, have not been omitted but have been reassigned to subjects like History, Urdu, and Kashmiri, allowing students to engage with his contributions in a more detailed and focused manner. For instance, his teachings are now part of Class IV Urdu (Chapter VII), Class V Kashmiri (Chapter II), and Class X History, where his role in the cultural awakening of Jammu and Kashmir is discussed in the context of Nationalism in India.
The official highlighted that in the revised History textbook, Sheikh-ul-Alam’s role is explored alongside other prominent figures such as Lal Ded, offering students a holistic view of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the JKBOSE official mentioned that the teachings of other key Sufi saints from Jammu and Kashmir, such as Shah-e-Hamdan (RA), Shah Asrar-ud-Din (RA), and Lal Ded, are also present in the curriculum. For instance, Shah-e-Hamdan is covered in the Class VII Kashmiri textbook, while Shah Asrar-ud-Din is featured in Class IX Kashmiri. This approach ensures a well-rounded understanding of the rich spiritual history of the region.
The decision to reassign Sheikh-ul-Alam’s teachings, the official explained, is part of the broader implementation of NEP 2020, which encourages reducing content load on students while maintaining focus on core educational goals. Additionally, the curriculum revision addresses discrepancies between JKBOSE textbooks and the revised NCERT textbooks, which have also undergone similar content reductions.
While some concerns had been raised following the initial announcement about the removal of the Sheikh-ul-Alam chapter from the English textbook, the official assured that the reassignment in other subjects ensures that his legacy remains an integral part of students’ learning experience. “No complaints have been received regarding the revised English textbook, possibly because his teachings are now part of other subjects, ensuring students are still exposed to his contributions,” the official said.
The JKBOSE is committed to offering a balanced, culturally relevant education, aligning with national standards while preserving the region’s rich heritage, the official concluded. The clarification comes amid a recent controversy over the removal of Sheikh-ul-Alam’s chapter from the English textbook, with several politicians and citizens voicing concerns on social media. Some feared that the omission might undermine the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the JKBOSE’s explanation aims to address these concerns by emphasizing the continued presence of Sheikh-ul-Alam’s teachings in other textbooks, in line with the broader educational objectives.
