The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Goa, staged a protest on Thursday outside the Directorate of Education in Porvorim, opposing a circular that directed schools across the State to observe ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day) on June 25 - the anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in 1975.
During the protest, NSUI leaders submitted a memorandum to the Director of Education, urging the immediate withdrawal of the circular. They argued that educational institutions should remain apolitical spaces focused on learning and not be drawn into politically charged narratives.
NSUI Goa State President Naushad Chowdhari stated, “While we acknowledge the intent to promote democratic awareness, we strongly urge the withdrawal of the circular. Schools must remain neutral educational environments. Involving students in politically sensitive interpretations of historical events like the Emergency risks exposing them to biased narratives, which can hinder objective learning and critical thinking.”
He also pointed out that suggested activities such as essay competitions and exhibitions might place an additional burden on students and teachers, especially when the themes are not part of the standard curriculum. “The Emergency period (1975–77) was a complex and challenging time, marked not only by concerns over national security and political stability but also by efforts to curb inflation, boost agricultural productivity, and promote family planning. Reducing it to a mere ‘dark day’ oversimplifies its historical context and denies students a nuanced understanding,” Chowdhari said.
Echoing the same concerns, NSUI State Executive Member Maithily Chumbalkar said, “School premises are not political hubs. Schools are places where young minds are nurtured and critical thinking is developed. It is not an ideological battleground. The Government should promote civic education, constitutional values, and the journey of democracy through all its challenges, rather than playing politics on school playgrounds.”
The NSUI reiterated its stand that political neutrality in schools must be preserved and called for a balanced and comprehensive representation of history within the academic framework.