THN Bureau
Tanvir Sadiq, chief spokesperson of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference and MLA from Zadibal, has strongly criticized recommendations made by a panel of the University of Jammu (JU) suggesting the removal of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and Allama Iqbal from the academic syllabus.
Describing the move as “intellectual bankruptcy,” Sadiq said history cannot be reshaped to suit convenience or contemporary political pressures. He argued that major historical events and personalities must be studied in totality to ensure students develop a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the past.
He maintained that the study of historical figures does not amount to endorsing their ideologies but is essential for informed academic engagement. Referring to global and national history, the NC leader stated that leaving out key personalities distorts context and weakens scholarly interpretation.
Sadiq further expressed concern that altering curricula under pressure from protests or political considerations undermines the core objectives of education. He said universities should remain spaces for open learning, critical thinking, and unbiased academic discourse.
The legislator emphasized that in the modern information age, where knowledge is widely accessible, restricting academic exposure to important historical figures is both impractical and counterproductive. The University panel’s recommendations have triggered debate within academic and political circles across Jammu & Kashmir, with differing views emerging over the balance between academic autonomy and sociopolitical sensitivities.
