The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come under the spotlight for assigning Hindi titles to several English-medium school textbooks. The move, intended to promote Indian cultural identity and linguistic integration, has sparked a wave of criticism from educators, political leaders, and linguistic rights activists, particularly from non-Hindi-speaking states.
NCERT officials, however, have firmly defended the decision. According to their explanation, the use of Hindi titles—often inspired by Indian classical arts, music, and traditional instruments—is a part of a broader initiative to "decolonize education" and foster a stronger sense of national heritage among students. They emphasized that while the content of the textbooks remains in English, the titles serve a symbolic purpose, connecting learners with India’s cultural roots.
One of the most vocal critics has been the Education Minister of Kerala, who stated that this decision undermines the spirit of federalism and marginalizes the linguistic diversity of the country. According to him, imposing Hindi titles in English-medium content may alienate students from non-Hindi regions and create unnecessary confusion, especially for younger learners.
Despite the pushback, NCERT maintained that there is no compulsion involved and that the books are nationally recognized resources. The council further clarified that the title change does not impact curriculum content, structure, or pedagogical methods. They argued that such symbolic gestures are in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages multilingualism and cultural grounding in school education.
Educators across the country remain divided on the matter. Some have welcomed the cultural integration aspect, believing it encourages students to embrace Indian traditions while learning modern academic content. Others fear this could mark the beginning of more sweeping linguistic changes that may reduce accessibility for non-Hindi-speaking students.
As the new academic session begins, schools are adapting to the change while debates continue in educational and political circles. Several state boards and private institutions are reportedly considering whether to adopt or reject the textbooks based on the new titles.
For now, NCERT stands by its decision, urging stakeholders to see the larger vision behind it—an education system that not only delivers academic excellence but also instills pride in India’s diverse and ancient heritage.
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