The Uttarakhand Waqf Board is introducing a new type of madrasa, marking a significant change in the state’s education system. This modern madrasa, named Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Modern Madrasa, will be the first of its kind in Uttarakhand. It will use the NCERT curriculum, the same one used in many other schools, for general education. Furthermore, the madrasa will offer Sanskrit as an optional subject, alongside Arabic. The school is located in Dehradun, near the railway station in Muslim Colony.
This new school is set to open for classes at the start of the next academic session in March. The Waqf Board developed the madrasa at a cost of about ₹50 lakh. The goal behind this change is to provide students with a more well-rounded education. By combining traditional Islamic studies with standard academic subjects, the board hopes to better prepare students for the future. This approach will allow students to compete more effectively in various academic settings.
Currently, the Uttarakhand Waqf Board manages around ten madrasas. This new model is a trial project to test out broader educational reforms across the state. The choice to include Sanskrit as an optional subject is especially interesting. It demonstrates a wish to create a diverse learning atmosphere. According to Shadab Shams, the Chairman of the Waqf Board, the goal is to equip madrasa students with a modern education.
In essence, this pilot project signals a potential turning point for madrasa education in Uttarakhand. The new approach could lead to broader acceptance of madrasas and a better understanding between different educational practices. The blend of traditional learning with modern academic subjects is seen as a progressive step. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.