Indian uni drops chapter on Allama Iqbal from BA syllabus

India's so-called image of the world's largest democracy was shattered once again when the Delhi University‘s Academic Council decided to scrap the chapter on great South Asian poet Muhammad Iqbal, popularly known as Allama Iqbal, from the BA political science syllabus, Indian Express reported.

The report, quoting the registrar of the university, said that the syllabus and proposals on setting up various centres were passed in the council meeting on Friday.

“Proposals on setting up of centres for Partition, Hindu, and Tribal studies have been passed. Mohd Iqbal has been dropped from the syllabus,” said Gupta. Iqbal was included in BA political science’s paper, “Modern Indian political thought”.

Read more: 141st birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal celebrated

The development was welcomed by a right-wing student body. “Delhi University academic council decided to scrap fanatic theological scholar Mohammad Iqbal from DU’s political science syllabus. Mohammad Iqbal is called ‘philosophical father of Pakistan’. He was the key player in establishing Jinnah as leader in Muslim League. Mohammad Iqbal is as responsible for India’s Partition as Mohammad Ali Jinnah is,” the student outfit was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

The report stated that the proposal will require a final stamp of approval from the university’s executive council, which is scheduled to meet next on June 9.

It is worth mentioning that "Saare Jahan se Accha" holds a significant place as a patriotic poem authored by Allama Iqbal, and India cherishes this song dearly due to its main verse dedicated to praising the country.

Allama Iqbal composed this song at the beginning of the 20th century in pre-partition India, intending it as an ode to Hindustan, which encompasses present-day Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

However, due to his pivotal role in advocating for a separate homeland for Muslims, Allama Iqbal was honoured with the title of Pakistan's national poet. His ideas eventually materialised into the creation of Pakistan.