In a move that touches the pit'sbottom, the UPA government has changed the emblem of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan from Lotus and shining Sun to Cross and Crescent. And this has been done in the name of ?broader reflection of national ethos.?
The Board of Governors of KVS in its 79th meeting held on 26.6.2008 approved the new logo and a circular was sent to all the offices and schools of the Sangathan on July 17, 2008, to change the emblem in all the publications and communications. Though the chairman of KVS, HRD Minister Arjun Singh did not attend the meeting, the minutes of the meeting stated that the emblem has been approved by the chairman. His deputy Shri Md Ali Ashraf Fatmi, Minister of State, HRD & Deputy Chairman, was also not present at the meeting. The circular issued by the Asst. Commissioner (Acad I), KVS, said ?in order to give a broader reflection of national ethos and ought (sic) to be inclusive of challenges, opportunities, rationalistic, scientific and global thinking, advances in science & technology and social changes taking place in the society? (sic) the new emblem has been created.
The picture shows a book with blank pages, and apparently two human forms emerging from globe. The crescent (an Islamic symbol) and two crosses and stars (Christian) are obvious.
A few months ago, the UPA government had released coins of Rs 2 denomination with cross on them. There was reportedly even a surreptitious move to change our national motto ?Satyameva Jayate? which was buried because the government felt that it would earn mud on the face over the issue. From a reading of the minutes of the KVS Board of Governors meeting, it is not clear where the idea of change in emblem originated and what was the inadequacies of the previous emblems. The new emblem is not explained either in the minutes.
Commenting on the move, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, former HRD Minister said, ?There is nothing scientific or Indian in the emblem that has been newly created. The previous emblem in fact reflected the Indian ethos. Lotus is a symbol of 1857 War of Independence and we always associate the sun with progress, innovation, spiritual, endeavour and it is unfortunate that the Government of India is trying to create a sense of alienation in young minds by trying to promote imported concepts.?
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