Education

NCERT Defends Hindi Titles for English Textbooks After Kerala Minister's Criticism

Reacting strongly to the shift, Sivankutty on Monday criticised the NCERT’s move, calling it an infringement on constitutional values and federal principles.

NCERT Defends Hindi Titles for English Textbooks After Kerala Minister's Criticism

The NCERT logo. Photo: Wikipedia

A row has erupted over the naming of English-language school textbooks, with Kerala’s education minister V. Sivankutty criticising the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for assigning Hindi titles to them. 

The NCERT, however, has defended the move, citing cultural and artistic heritage as the basis for its decision.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the NCERT stated that naming textbooks after classical Indian musical instruments and ragas is a tribute to the country’s diverse musical traditions, which transcend linguistic and regional boundaries. 

The Council said this approach aims to foster a sense of pride and belonging among students by introducing them to India’s rich cultural heritage from an early stage.

The controversy stems from changes in the titles of English-language textbooks for Classes 6 and 7. The new Class 6 English textbook introduced last year is titled Poorvi, while the Class 7 book, introduced this year, is called Santoor. These replace older titles such as Marigold, which was the title of the Class 4 textbook.

Reacting strongly to the shift, Sivankutty on Monday (April 14) criticised the NCERT’s move, calling it an infringement on constitutional values and federal principles.

“Kerala, like other non-Hindi speaking states, is committed to protecting linguistic diversity and giving priority to regional cultural freedom. The titles of the textbooks are not mere names; they shape the perception and imagination of children. English medium students deserve English titles. Education should not be an instrument of imposition but of empowerment and consensus,” the minister said.

In response, the NCERT said that naming textbooks after musical instruments and ragas is not a new practice and reflects a longstanding tradition.

“The naming of language and other textbooks has long been a tradition in NCERT, and the use of terms derived from Indian classical music is meaningful. These terms are neither translatable nor replaceable; they carry with them deep cultural and linguistic associations, helping children identify more strongly with their Indian heritage. This practice ensures that students begin their language journey with familiarity, pride, and a sense of belonging,” the Council said.

The NCERT maintained that the use of such titles is a meaningful way to begin a child’s educational journey with a sense of familiarity and cultural identity, asserting that this move aligns with the broader objective of inclusive and holistic education.

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