Rajasthan order asking students to join PM Modi's birthday celebrations sparks controversy
A government order in Rajasthan, India, mandating college students to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's month-long birthday celebrations has sparked controversy. Opposition parties and civil rights groups criticize the politicization of educational institutions, while the government states the campaign promotes public service.
Why it matters
This incident raises concerns about the politicization of education and potential coercion in public participation, reflecting broader debates about government influence and democratic norms in India.
The Opposition Congress and civil rights groups in Rajasthan on Thursday (September 17, 2026) took exception to a government order asking the college students to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations . As many as 12 diverse activities will be organised during the month-long celebrations.
One of the events listed in the programme is ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ (lamp of blessings), in which the students, beneficiaries of government schemes and the public at large have been asked to light the lamps at dusk on the inaugural day of the ‘Viksit Bharat-Jan Seva Abhiyan’.
The Commissionerate of College Education has instructed all government and private colleges across the State to organise the events for lighting of lamps on September 17, community service on October 2 and ‘Seva First’ innovation challenge competitions for a fortnight from October 1 to 15, followed by submission of compliance reports.
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