Headmistress calls for inclusion of Gazetted Holidays in school curriculum to promote national unity
Ferozepur, September 28, 2024: To instil patriotism and cultural awareness, encourage critical thinking and historical context, and develop empathy and inclusivity among diverse communities and students, the Headmistress, Govt High School, Chak Ghubai, in Ferozepur, Mrs Shivani, has proposed a crucial reform in the education system for including chapters on gazetted holidays in the curriculum.
“Our calendar is filled with national holidays that commemorate significant milestones in India's history and cultural heritage, yet many students see these as merely days off,” stated Shivani. “We need to change this mindset by teaching the significance of these holidays as part of our educational framework.”
She highlighted the importance of integrating gazetted holidays such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, Eid-al-Fitr, Christmas, Ambedkar Jayanti, and International Women’s Day into the school syllabus. The proposed curriculum would delve into the historical context, cultural customs, key figures, and the impact of these holidays on society today.
“By educating students on the cultural and historical importance of these days, we can foster national pride, promote interfaith harmony, and prepare our youth to become responsible citizens,” Shivani emphasized.
The initiative aims to enhance civic engagement, develop empathy, and encourage critical thinking. It calls on the education department to take the necessary steps to implement this reform.
Shivani, Headmistress - working on more such reforms, to submit to the higher authorities in the education department - said the education department can provide training for teachers to effectively deliver the content on holidays and conduct regular assessments to evaluate student understanding.
She also urged local authorities and citizens to join the movement and advocate for the inclusion of chapters on gazetted holidays in the curriculum by promoting the hashtag #EducateForUnity to spread awareness on social media.