NSUI Opposes ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ in Schools

Margao:
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Goa, has formally urged the Directorate of Education to withdraw a recent circular mandating schools to observe “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Killing Day) and conduct student activities based on the Emergency period of 1975–77. In a letter addressed to the Director of Education, NSUI Goa State President Naushad Chowdhari called the directive inappropriate for the academic environment.

Circular Sparks Controversy Over Political Sensitivity

Circular No. DE/Acad/Circular/11/472/2024/13-34, dated June 24, 2025, instructs schools across the state to organize events such as essay competitions and exhibitions highlighting the 1975 Emergency period—a time when civil liberties were suspended and opposition leaders jailed under the Indira Gandhi government.

However, the NSUI argues that such activities risk politicizing school campuses. “Schools should remain neutral educational spaces,” Chowdhari stated in the letter. “Involving students in politically sensitive discussions may expose them to biased narratives, undermining their ability to learn objectively and think critically.”

Concerns Over Academic Disruption

The NSUI also criticized the directive for potentially diverting attention from core academic subjects. “These extracurricular obligations could place an undue burden on students and teachers, especially when dealing with complex historical issues not adequately covered in the curriculum,” the letter said.

Call for Balanced Historical Representation

While acknowledging the importance of teaching democratic values, the NSUI warned against the one-sided portrayal of the Emergency period. The letter notes that while the Emergency remains controversial, it also involved measures aimed at addressing national concerns like inflation and population control. “Labeling it solely as a ‘dark day’ risks oversimplifying history and misinforming students,” it read.

Appeal for Immediate Action

The student organization has called for the immediate withdrawal of the circular, citing the need to preserve the apolitical nature of educational institutions and ensure that history is taught in a balanced and academic manner.

As of now, the Directorate of Education has not issued a public response to the petition.