The name of Param Vir Chakra awardee Shaheed Veer Abdul Hamid was removed from the main entrance of a primary school in Dhamupur village, sparking protests from his family and locals. Following their objections, the martyr’s name was restored-but only on an external wall, not the main gate, leading to further controversy.
The school, previously known as ‘Shaheed Abdul Hamid Vidyalaya,’ was renamed ‘PM Shri Composite School’ after a recent repainting, according to officials. Jameel Ahmed, Hamid’s grandson, stated that the name was erased during the repainting work four days ago. When the family raised objections, headmaster Ajay Kushwaha directed them to approach Basic Education Officer (BSA) Hemant Rao.
Rao later assured the family that Abdul Hamid’s name had been inscribed on one of the school’s external walls, but the entrance continued to bear only the new name. Dissatisfied with the response, the family lodged another complaint on Saturday, demanding that the martyr’s name be reinstated at the entrance. Despite assurances from officials that the matter would be addressed immediately, as of Monday, the name remained missing from the main gate, leaving the family “deeply hurt.”
Abdul Hamid is revered for his bravery during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, where he single-handedly destroyed three Pakistani Patton tanks, forcing the enemy to retreat. His valor earned him India’s highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously to his wife, Rasoolan Bibi.
In response to growing criticism, BSA Hemant Rao said: “Shaheed Abdul Hamid’s name will soon be reinstated at the school’s entrance, and it has already been inscribed on an external wall.”
However, locals and the martyr’s family remain dissatisfied, insisting that his name be prominently displayed on the main gate as well. “If the government truly respects our war heroes, they should ensure that their legacy is honored properly,” said a local resident.
The issue has now taken a political turn, with the Congress party strongly opposing the name change. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai condemned the move in a Facebook post, calling it an “insult to the country’s heroes” and vowing to fight against it. “The Yogi government has changed the name of a school that was dedicated to one of India’s greatest warriors. This is unacceptable, and we will not remain silent,” he said.
The party has announced a protest at Sarju Pandey Park, Kachheri, on February 17 at 1 PM. Congress leaders, including State Secretary Fashat Hussain, will participate in the demonstration, and a memorandum addressed to the Governor will be submitted to the District Magistrate.
