Uttarakhand: Complaint over ‘Ammi & Abbu’ in English textbooks, parents call for ban

New Delhi: A controversy has broken out over alleged use of Urdu words ‘Ammi & Abbu’ in English textbooks of Uttarakhand and a complaint lodged before Dehradun District Magistrate (DM), with parents of Class 2 student demanding ban on the book.

The father of Class 2 student approached Dehradun district magistrate (DM), raising strong objection to use of Urdu words Ammi & Abbu in English textbooks used by the school. Following the complaint, an investigation has been ordered by the Dehradun DM.

Manish Mittal, the father of Class 2 student was taken aback when his child started addressing him at home as ‘abbu’. He said that his seven year old child started referring them as abbu & ammi as the same was taught at school.

He also demanded a ban on the Gul Mohar Part II textbook, designed for Class 2 students, which reportedly described parents as ‘abbu & ammi’. He demanded that the same be replaced by ‘father & mother’.

the child studying in 2nd Class called his parents Ammi-Abbu

Manish Mittal the father of the child took it serious & has filed a complaint with DM

Actually child learnt it from his English Book Poem ‘too Big too Small’

But the religious sentiments of Manish got hurt… pic.twitter.com/rAfopZOt5Z

— زماں (@Delhiite_) April 5, 2023

In his complaint, filed a couple of days ago, he said that this was a deviation from our culture and educational curriculum must follow the highest standards. He demanded that the administration makes the amends, failing which he will have legal options as recourse.

According to reports, Uttarakhand education department has sought ‘academic advice’ in the matter. Pradeep Rawat, the chief education officer, heading the probe team told a publication and informed that it was just a caricature and a character named Amir is calling his parents as ‘ammi & abbu’.

“The words of book will be discussed with the ICSC board. We will also speak to principals of some schools”, he said.

A similar controversy broke out last year, when some parents in Rajasthan’s Kota complained that Muslim names were deliberately incorporated in Class 2 books.