The recent removal of a chapter on Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA), fondly known as Alamdari-Kashmir, from educational curricula has sparked widespread discontent among those who cherish Kashmir’s rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage. While it may seem a trivial act to some, this decision symbolizes a deeper, more worrying trend: the deliberate erosion of a community’s collective memory under the guise of “modernizing” education. But who needs history, culture, and ethics when we can focus on producing generation after generation of culturally disconnected individuals?
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) is not just another name in the annals of history; he is an embodiment of Kashmir’s syncretic ethos. His life and teachings are integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of the valley, woven deeply into its identity. Known for promoting values of love, unity, and environmental consciousness, he remains a beacon of guidance for Kashmiris, irrespective of religion or sect. The question arises: why is such a figure deemed unworthy of a place in the school syllabus? Are lessons on humanity, coexistence, and environmental stewardship too passé for today’s students?
When Erasing Identity Becomes Educational Reform
Education is often lauded as the vehicle through which cultural and historical legacies are preserved and passed on to future generations. The curriculum, ideally, should reflect the rich tapestry of a society’s past, providing students with a strong sense of identity and belonging. In Kashmir, where history is intricately tied to the teachings of saints and poets, omitting Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) from textbooks is akin to severing the umbilical cord that connects the present to the past.
The teachings of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) are not limited to religious contexts. His verses encapsulate the essence of Kashmir’s relationship with nature, his sermons advocate for ethical living, and his life is a testimony to the power of unity amidst diversity. Striking out such lessons is not just an educational oversight—it is an affront to the values that have shaped Kashmiri society for centuries. But who needs to learn about respect for nature or ethical living when modern education is better off churning out individuals focused solely on material gains?
Lessons in Humanity? Not for Today’s Kids!
The irony of sidelining Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali’s (RA) teachings in a world grappling with environmental crises cannot be overstated. His philosophy of living in harmony with nature could not be more relevant than it is today. Yet, in an age where children are fed chapters on industrial progress and technological advancements, who has the time for archaic ideas about protecting the environment? Let the rivers be polluted and the forests be cut down—progress demands sacrifice, and what better way to prepare our youth for the future than by teaching them to ignore the wisdom of their ancestors?
The removal of this chapter is also an attack on Kashmir’s literary and linguistic heritage. Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) wrote in Kashmiri, a language already under threat in the region. By erasing his contributions from textbooks, the system is inadvertently signaling that Kashmiri literature and culture are not worth preserving. Why bother with the nuances of Kashmiri poetry when globalized education dictates that proficiency in English is the ultimate measure of intelligence?
The Deafening Silence of the Scholars
Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of this saga is the silence of the literary and scholarly community. Writers, intellectuals, and cultural organizations have a crucial role to play in preserving Kashmir’s heritage, yet their voices remain conspicuously absent. Is it fear of reprisal, a lack of awareness, or simple apathy? Whatever the reason, their inaction risks normalizing such erasures, setting a dangerous precedent for future generations.
If even the guardians of culture and history cannot rise to defend Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali’s (RA) legacy, what hope is there for the students? The silence of the educated elite serves as tacit approval for the erasure of Kashmir’s identity. After all, why bother preserving a rich cultural heritage when silence is so much easier—and safer?
Kashmir Without Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA): An Incomplete Mosaic
The history of Kashmir is a mosaic of influences from saints, poets, and thinkers who transcended religious and cultural boundaries to promote inclusivity. Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) is one of the most prominent figures in this mosaic, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s harmonious legacy. Removing his teachings from textbooks is not merely an academic decision—it is an attempt to rewrite the narrative of the valley, severing the youth from their roots.
By erasing his contributions, we risk creating a Kashmir that is unrecognizable, stripped of the values that have defined its character for centuries. A Kashmir without Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) is like a body without a soul—a shell devoid of the essence that makes it unique. But perhaps this is the goal: to turn Kashmir into just another region, devoid of its individuality and cultural pride.
The Education System’s True Mission: Disconnection
If the purpose of education is to create well-rounded individuals who understand and appreciate their heritage, then the removal of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali’s (RA) chapter is a colossal failure. Instead of fostering pride in their roots, the education system is alienating students from their identity. Instead of teaching them the timeless relevance of ethical living and environmental consciousness, it is promoting a curriculum that prioritizes rote learning over critical thinking.
The message is clear: cultural and historical narratives have no place in modern education. Who needs them when students can memorize facts and figures to ace exams? Who cares if future generations grow up ignorant of the values that guided their ancestors? As long as they can recite the periodic table or solve algebraic equations, their education is deemed a success.
A Step Backwards: The Public Outcry and Reversal
The controversy surrounding the removal of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali’s (RA) chapter did not go unnoticed. Following the uproar, political figures like MY Tarigami raised their voices in protest, demanding the reinstatement of the chapter. In response, the Chief Minister assured that the chapter would not be deleted, giving hope to those who viewed this removal as an attempt to erase Kashmir’s identity.
However, the issue didn’t stop there. Sajad Lone, along with other prominent leaders, took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), raising concerns over the decision. Social media, as expected, was flooded with debates, discussions, and passionate arguments, with many expressing their concerns about the growing trend of erasing Kashmir’s cultural history. The outpouring of support on social media turned the issue into a public discourse, proving that Kashmiris are not ready to let go of their heritage without a fight.
A Call to Action: Defending Kashmir’s Legacy
The removal of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali’s (RA) chapter is not just an attack on one individual’s legacy—it is an attack on the very essence of Kashmiri identity. It is a wake-up call for all those who value the region’s cultural and historical heritage. Writers, intellectuals, and cultural organizations must rise to the occasion, challenging decisions that undermine the essence of Kashmir. Proactive engagement is essential to ensure that the education system reflects the true spirit of the valley’s history and culture.
Ultimately, the question is not about a single chapter in a textbook but about the broader preservation of Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual ethos. Can there be a Kashmir without Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA)? The answer lies in the hands of the people, particularly those entrusted with safeguarding the region’s legacy. It is time to demand accountability and transparency in educational policies, ensuring that figures like Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) remain an integral part of academic discourse.
Kashmir’s rich heritage deserves more than lip service—it demands action. And if we fail to act, the erasure of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali’s (RA) teachings will be just the beginning of a long and painful journey towards cultural amnesia. The choice is ours: do we fight to preserve our identity, or do we let it slip away, one chapter at a time?
