A high-level committee appointed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revise the school curriculum for social sciences has recommended incorporating epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata into textbooks. CI Issac, the committee’s chairperson, disclosed this information, stating that another suggestion is to inscribe the Preamble of the Constitution on classroom walls.
Formed last year, the seven-member committee has proposed several recommendations in its final position paper on social sciences. This paper serves as a crucial guideline for the development of new NCERT textbooks. The 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), established in July, will consider these recommendations as it works to finalize the curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials for the concerned classes.
Issac emphasized the importance of teaching Ramayana and Mahabharata to students in classes 7 to 12, citing that it contributes to building self-esteem, patriotism, and pride for one’s nation during the formative teenage years. The committee believes that understanding these epics helps instill a sense of love for one’s country and culture, ultimately fostering a stronger connection to roots.
Furthermore, Issac noted the committee’s earlier recommendation to replace the term ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks and introduce ‘classical History’ instead of ancient History in the curriculum for classes 3 to 12. The aim is to provide a more comprehensive and culturally rooted education.
Addressing concerns about teaching epics as myths, Issac argued that omitting these cultural narratives from the education system would not serve the nation’s interests. He stressed the need for students to engage with these epics beyond the label of myth, underlining the cultural and patriotic significance.
The committee has also proposed writing the Preamble of the Constitution on classroom walls. Issac explained that the Preamble, with its emphasis on social values like democracy and secularism, is considered noble. Displaying it on classroom walls is seen as a means to promote understanding and learning of these values among students.
This curriculum revision aligns with the national education policy (NEP) of 2020, and the updated NCERT textbooks are expected to be available for the next academic session. The NSTC, aided by a Curricular Area Group for Social Science, will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape in accordance with these recommendations.
