The Punjab government has once again stirred conversations in educational and political circles by introducing a directive that has both supporters and critics talking. In a bid to promote its flagship education campaign titled ‘Sikhya Kranti’—translated as ‘Education Revolution’—the government has asked all government school teachers to display the Chief Minister’s photograph as their profile picture on WhatsApp. The initiative, according to official sources, is part of a larger branding effort to align the education sector closely with the policies and leadership of the current administration. While the move has been hailed by some as a demonstration of unity and motivation, it has also drawn criticism for politicizing education and infringing on personal freedom.
The directive was reportedly issued by the education department through official communication channels to teachers working in state-run schools. It instructed them to update their WhatsApp profile pictures with a government-approved graphic of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, highlighting his role in spearheading the educational reform movement in Punjab. The ‘Sikhya Kranti’ campaign has been presented by the state as a visionary effort to overhaul the public school system, introduce smart classrooms, improve infrastructure, hire more educators, and uplift the standard of education in rural and urban areas alike.
However, this particular component of the campaign—the display of the Chief Minister’s image on a private messaging app—has raised eyebrows. WhatsApp, though widely used for school-related communication among staff, parents, and students, remains a personal space for many teachers. Mandating a political leader’s image, even if it is the sitting CM, has left some educators and opposition leaders questioning whether this is appropriate, or even constitutional.
Teachers’ associations in the state have responded with mixed reactions. Some groups have complied silently, viewing it as a harmless promotional tactic, while others have expressed discomfort, saying it places undue pressure on government employees to show political allegiance. A few unions have publicly voiced their discontent, arguing that the focus should be on real pedagogical improvements rather than image-building exercises.
The state government, on the other hand, has defended the decision as a symbolic gesture meant to unify efforts across the education system. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that the image is not just about the Chief Minister but about what he represents—a new chapter in Punjab’s educational journey. He explained that by showcasing a common identity through digital platforms, the campaign hopes to build a sense of purpose and direction among educators.
It is also important to consider the broader political context in which this move is unfolding. Punjab’s ruling party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has placed considerable emphasis on education, mirroring its governance model in Delhi where similar education reforms gained national attention. In Punjab, the party is keen on demonstrating measurable success stories that align with their promises. As such, the ‘Sikhya Kranti’ initiative is not just a social reform—it is also a political statement.
While the symbolic move might seem minor, the implications reach deeper. Political analysts argue that the WhatsApp directive could be seen as an attempt to use the public education system as a vehicle for political branding. The question many are asking is: where should the line be drawn between government campaigns and personal digital spaces?
The government maintains that there is no penalty for non-compliance and that the measure is voluntary. However, teachers working in public institutions often function under a culture of hierarchy and informal coercion, where “voluntary” suggestions can feel mandatory. Many educators have admitted in private that even if they disagree with the move, they fear potential repercussions if they don’t follow suit.
Critics have also highlighted that such directives risk diverting attention from more pressing issues plaguing the education sector—such as teacher shortages, lack of infrastructure in remote schools, outdated curricula, and the digital divide between urban and rural students. They argue that government energy and resources would be better spent addressing these structural problems rather than focusing on PR campaigns.
Despite the controversy, the campaign has succeeded in generating buzz. Social media has been filled with profile photos bearing the Chief Minister’s smiling face and slogans advocating for better education. For the AAP-led administration, this kind of visibility may be exactly what they need to keep public attention focused on their reform agenda.
Yet, educators and civil society continue to debate the merits of the move. Some believe it might serve as a motivational symbol that reminds teachers of their mission to elevate the quality of education in Punjab. Others warn it risks politicizing a space that should remain impartial, especially since teachers hold a trusted role in shaping young minds and fostering critical thinking.
In the coming weeks, the government’s campaign is expected to continue with other activities, including public rallies, classroom upgrades, teacher training programs, and parent-teacher engagement initiatives. It remains to be seen whether the symbolic use of WhatsApp profile pictures will be remembered as a unifying emblem of change or as a step too far in the blending of governance with political symbolism.
At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental question about the nature of public service, political neutrality, and individual autonomy in the digital age. As WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar platforms become tools for professional communication, governments across the globe may increasingly see them as extensions of institutional messaging. But as this case in Punjab reveals, when the messaging crosses into the realm of personal identity and political image-making, it treads on complicated terrain.
As the Sikhya Kranti campaign marches on, teachers will continue to carry the responsibility of educating the next generation. Whether or not they choose to display the Chief Minister’s photo on their WhatsApp remains a personal decision—one that each educator will have to make while weighing their sense of duty, identity, and freedom. Ultimately, the real success of the education revolution will be measured not in images or slogans, but in classrooms, textbooks, examination results, and the bright futures of Punjab’s students.