Students ordered to attend Punjab government’s marathon on school holiday.

Ludhiana: Five govt schools in the city have been ordered to mobilise 600 students for a state-sponsored anti-drug marathon this Sunday, sparking a backlash as the event coincides with the major Hindu festival of Mahashivratri.The directive, issued by the district education office, requires hundreds of teenagers and dozens of staff members to report to an athletics track at 6am, despite an official gazetted holiday for the sacred festival. In a written order dated Feb 12, district education officer (senior secondary) Dimple Madan instructed the following schools to participate in the "Yudh Nasheya Virudh" (War Against Drugs) promotional event at Punjab Agricultural University: Govt Smart Senior Secondary School, PAU (150 students), Meritorious School (150 students), GSSS Gobind Nagar (100 students), GSSS Cemetery Road (100 students), and GSSS Haibowal Khurd (100 students).
Each school must also provide the organisers with five teachers to supervise the pupils. The event serves as a promotional lead-up to the national Bhagat Singh Marathon scheduled for late March in Hoshiarpur.Sensitivity ConcernsThe timing has drawn sharp criticism from educators and religious observers. Mahashivratri is traditionally marked by night-long vigils, strict fasting, and early morning prayers. "The govt cannot ignore the sentiments of a particular community for the sake of their event," said one govt teacher, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. "Everyone celebrates this day with special puja and temple visits. Calling us on a holiday is one thing, but doing so on Mahashivratri is highly condemnable."Education department officials defended the move, stating they were simply following orders from the state govt to ensure the success of the anti-drug campaign. DEO Dimple Madan did not respond to multiple requests for comment.Political BacklashThe controversy has moved into the political arena, with Congress politician Mamta Ashu taking to social media to slam the administration's "symbolic" respect for faith. "A holiday is not just an administrative formality; it is a recognition of faith," Ashu posted to her official Facebook page. "When the state declares a holiday on Mahashivaratri, it acknowledges the importance of fasting and family rituals. If students and staff must report for official events at 6am, the holiday loses its purpose."