Muslim war hero’s legacy erased as Indian school renamed
A school named after war hero Abdul Hamid has been renamed sparking outrage over the erasure of his legacy
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Outrage has been triggered as a government school in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been renamed, removing the name of Veer Abdul Hamid, a celebrated Muslim soldier honored for his bravery in the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
The school, formerly named after Hamid, is now called PM Shri Composite Vidyalaya Dhamupur, sparking criticism from many who see the move as an attempt to erase his legacy.
Jamil Alam, Abdul Hamid’s grandson, criticized the move as a blatant disregard for his grandfather’s sacrifice. “The school was named to honor Veer Abdul Hamid’s supreme service to the nation. Changing its name is an insult to his memory and the values he fought for,” Alam told local media.
He has since filed a formal complaint with the Basic Education Officer (BSA), demanding that the school’s original name be restored.
Officer for Basic Education, Hemant Rao, justified the decision, claiming the school records never officially listed Abdul Hamid’s name. “According to the headmaster, there’s no documented proof that the school was named after Veer Abdul Hamid. However, I will personally visit the school to verify the facts and take corrective action if necessary,” Rao stated.
The controversy has spotlighted growing concerns over historical erasure and political influences in renaming public institutions. Critics have labeled the move as part of a larger effort to sideline the contributions of Muslim figures in India’s history.
Political leaders condemn erasure of Abdul Hamid’s legacy
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan, leader of the Bhim Army, accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of erasing Muslim soldiers’ contributions to Indian history.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also condemned the renaming, urging the government to preserve the school as a memorial.
“This isn’t the first time such an attempt has been made. The school should be renamed Veer Abdul Hamid Vidyalaya, and strict action must be taken against those responsible for this insult,” he said.
Who was Veer Abdul Hamid?
Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, born on July 1, 1933, in Dhamupur village, joined the Indian Army in 1954 at age 20.
He gained fame for his extraordinary bravery during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, single-handedly destroying several Pakistani tanks before sacrificing his life in action.
He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
These moves reflect India’s shift towards a Hindutva ideology, where efforts to prioritize Hindu-centric narratives often marginalize the contributions of minority communities.
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