NEW DELHI: A meeting of top officials last week in the Ministry of Human Resource Development decided to recognise glorious contribution of ancient and Vedic scholars, and scientists in the existing school curriculum. The push for it was not from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or its affiliates. The leaping point to insert at least one chapter on ancient scholars and scientists’ contribution in the stream in the textbooks came from government officials.
The meeting was called to discuss VIP reference—basically, the procedure to deal with correspondence received from MPs, ministers, ex-MPs etc., and how prompt the reply should be furnished. It was attended by the Chairman, Central Board of Secondary Education, representatives from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan, National Council of Educational Research and Training, National Council for Teacher Education and a Joint Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy.
Top sources said the meeting on typical bureaucratic rules drifted to deliberate on the source of ancient legend and their contribution to Indian science, mathematics and astronomy. The meeting settled that the government needs to re-instill that historic adage in raising the new generation. The officials, however, argued that instead of separate books on mathematician like Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta or scientists like Kanad and Nagarjuna, they should insert a chapter on them in the relevant books of mathematics and science.
A meeting on typical bureaucratic rules last week deliberated on the source of ancient legend and their contribution to Indian science, mathematics and astronomy.
“The basic premise of the argument was that a separate book might trigger controversy as it had happened in the past. While including a chapter in the existing book on science etc. would be seen more as a value addition and not imposition. The contribution of Aryabhata and other legends cannot be denied and a chapter in the book would introduce the kids to the life and accomplishments of historical figures like Sushruta, Charaka and Panini,” sources said.
It is learnt that CBSE has assured the NCERT representative to provide the content related to ancient legends that could be included in the books. NCERT, an autonomous organisation, undertakes, promote and coordinates research in areas related to school education, prepare and publish model textbooks and to develop and disseminate innovative educational techniques and practices.
Sources said the meeting in the HRD ministry also discussed the delay in distribution of the books to the private schools.
“School bags are becoming heavier, and this is a concern for the government. The officials discussed the ways to unburden the kids from the load,” sources added.
The Opposition earlier in 2016 had launched a scathing attack on the government charging it with imposing a certain ideology by revising the textbooks and amending the country’s education system. The Congress had also criticised the government’s draft national education policy blaming it for bringing ideology in every institution in the country.