Delhi government may rename schools after local martyrs to inspire patriotism

The Delhi government is considering renaming prominent government schools after local martyrs, Education Minister Ashish Sood announced at a Kargil Vijay Diwas event held at Shivaji College, University of Delhi.

Sood said this initiative aims to preserve the legacy of fallen soldiers and instill a sense of duty among students, particularly those from the city.

Sood paid tribute to Captain Sumit Roy, Captain Anuj Nayyar, and Captain Hanif‑ud‑Din—all alumni of Shivaji College—who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War in 1999.

He emphasized that naming schools after such heroes would serve as a daily reminder of true national service. The event was attended by students, faculty members, and martyrs’ families, including Swapna Roy, the mother of Captain Sumit Roy.

Sood pointed out that patriotism extends beyond military sacrifice—it includes civic responsibilities such as cleanliness, traffic discipline, and protecting public spaces.

He invoked the National War Memorial initiative led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where martyrs’ families are honored every evening, noting that the school renaming proposal is part of a broader effort to embed national pride within public education.

The initiative, announced on July 26, marks the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War and is intended to turn remembrance into a living part of students' learning environments.