The NCERT panel on Wednesday suggested replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks. It also recommended introducing “classical history”, instead of “ancient history” and including “Indian Knowledge System” in the syllabus.
The NCERT panel has suggested a change in textbooks where ‘India’ will be replaced with ‘Bharat’. This proposal has faced opposition from Kerala and Bengal. The idea behind this change is to move away from the colonial mindset in education, according to the man behind the proposal for NCERT textbooks. Retired Professor CI Issacs, who heads the Committee for Social Sciences, emphasized the need for a new approach in education, stating, “Our mindset is toned by colonial education.
Now it is a new education system. New chapter. Something new is needed, nothing traditional.” The NCERT panel recommended replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks, introducing “classical history” instead of “ancient history,” and including “Indian Knowledge System” in the syllabus. This change is primarily aimed at teachers, as Isaac mentioned, “Of course, teachers will say India, they were also products of colonial education, like me.”
NCERT Panel Recommends ‘India to Bharat’ Change in Textbooks
The change is expected to be implemented in the textbooks of senior classes, starting from Class 8, and it is applicable only to CBSE students. At home, students can continue using their preferred term.
However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu oppose the recommendation. Pinarayi Vijayan sees it as an attempt to impose divisive communalism in education and urges citizens to celebrate the diversity of ‘India.’ Meanwhile, Bratya Basu criticizes the decision, considering it a bizarre move by the central government.