The Rajasthan government has initiated the ‘Sarthak Naam Abhiyan’ to promote the use of meaningful and respectful names for students, aiming to eliminate unusual or potentially offensive ones like ‘Sheru’ or ‘Shaitan’ from school records.
This program, introduced by the School Education Department, addresses issues where children face mockery due to unsuitable names, which can harm their self-confidence and emotional well-being over time.
School Education Minister Madan Dilawar explained that such names may cause ongoing embarrassment and foster feelings of inadequacy as children develop. He pointed out that parents sometimes select names without considering their deeper significance or societal effects.
Under the campaign, officials have pinpointed 2,000 to 3,000 students in both public and private schools with names deemed inappropriate. They have compiled a selection of about 3,000 alternative options, including 1,541 for girls and 1,409 for boys, complete with explanations to help families choose better alternatives.
Authorities emphasize that a name shapes an individual’s social standing and principles, and problematic ones can hinder a child’s psychological growth and assurance.
Educational institutions are instructed to carefully spot affected students and discuss changes with parents via meetings and committees, encouraging the adoption of uplifting names. The minister also called for removing caste-related or insulting terms from documents, advocating for honorable substitutes.
For new enrollments, parents can pick from the recommended list during admission. Current students may request modifications following standard procedures. High-level officials will oversee the effort and assess its advancement regularly.
