Sir,

We bring to your attention the grave situation facing the Government Urdu Higher Primary School in Jyothinagar, Mysuru.

This institution once stood as a beacon of education for children from Ghousianagar, Shanthinagar, K.N. Pura, Udayagiri and Jyothinagar — including children of Police Officers, KEB engineers, businessmen, teachers and daily wage workers.

Over decades, this school produced well-rounded individuals — doctors, engineers, NRIs, lawyers and professionals contributing to society both inIndia and abroad.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, severely affected enrollment at this school. Today, only 16 students attend and the dedicated teachers personally fund transport to ensure their attendance. It is disheartening to learn of plans to shut down this school. Instead of closure, we propose the following actionable suggestions:

1. Revive and invest in this school with a special restoration plan under a Govt. scheme.

2. Provide free transportation to students from distant neighbourhoods.

3. Establish a State-level committee to protect and promote Urdu medium schools.

4. Launch community outreach programmes to encourage parents to re-enrol their children.

Urdu is not a religious language — it evolved as a unifying mode of communication during the Mughal era and has been embraced by Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims alike. Renowned writers like MunshiPremchand and Rajendra Singh Bedi enriched its literature.

Let us act before it’s too late. Saving such schools means preserving the values, culture and educational legacy of India.

— Jalal Quadri and concerned citizens, Mysuru, 27.8.2025

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