Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Madrassa Education Board (UMEB) is set to introduce Sanskrit as a mandatory subject in 416 madrassas across the state. A formal proposal has been prepared, and the board plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state’s Sanskrit department.
Additionally, UMEB aims to include computer studies in the curriculum to enhance the academic offerings for madrassa students. “We introduced the NCERT syllabus in madrassas, and this year, the students achieved over 95% results. They have performed exceptionally well, and adding Sanskrit to their curriculum will significantly boost their educational growth,” UMEB chairperson Mufti Shamoon Qasmi informed the media.
Financial constraints have delayed the project’s start
In September 2023, UMEB approved a proposal to introduce Sanskrit and computer science as optional subjects from the next academic session. Although financial constraints have delayed the project’s start, the initiative’s proposal is now prepared, and discussions are ongoing with the Sanskrit department. “We have held multiple meetings with officials from the Sanskrit department, and we are optimistic about receiving a positive response soon,” Qasmi added.
416 madrassas are registered with UMEB
Currently, 416 madrassas are registered with UMEB, serving over 70,000 students, with more madrassas expected to join in the coming years. Once the state government approves the new curriculum, madrassas will begin recruiting Sanskrit teachers. Highlighting the benefits of teaching Sanskrit, Qasmi mentioned, “Arabic is already taught in over 100 madrassas, and it will be heartening if Sanskrit classes can commence soon. Having both maulvis and pandits teaching will significantly aid in grooming our students” said Qasmi.
Ex-servicemen to help instill a sense of nationalism among the students
Waqf board chairperson Shadab Shams mentioned that plans are underway to transform all 117 madrassas into model institutions. The board has also enlisted the help of ex-servicemen to instill a sense of nationalism among madrassa students. “We aim to upgrade all 117 madrassas registered with us into model institutions. We’ve also sought the assistance of ex-servicemen to foster nationalism among the students. There are approximately 1,000 madrassas in Uttarakhand, and as more register with us, we plan to upgrade them,” he said.
Our goal is the holistic development of our students
Shams mentioned that if the proposal is approved, Sanskrit will become a mandatory subject for students in Classes 5 to 8. The board aims to introduce Sanskrit from the next academic session. “Our goal is the holistic development of our students. We want them to excel in various fields, which requires quality education. Sanskrit and Arabic are ancient languages, and it is important for students to learn both. If everything falls into place, we hope to introduce Sanskrit from the next academic session,” Shams added.
According to the board’s initial plan, Sanskrit education will be first introduced in four selected institutions. These include the madrassa in Dehradun’s Muslim colony, Rehmannia Madrassa in Khatima (US Nagar), Rahmania Madrassa in Roorkee, and Jama Masjid Madrassa at Ramnagar.
