Controversy Over Textbook Revisions in Karnataka Sparks Ideological Divide

The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka has recently mandated revisions to school textbooks, specifically in the Kannada and social science subjects. This decision, which came into effect following the state's order for 18 changes including 15 replacements in these subjects for classes 6 to 10, has exposed the differences of ideologies of the political parties.

It has also sparked a renewed debate on the growing trend of governments exploiting textbooks to advance their agendas and promote their preferred values. This unsettling practice disregards the true purpose of education, which should prioritize providing students with unbiased knowledge, independent of any individual party's preferences. 

BJP removed Narayana Guru, including Hedgewar last year 

Notably, the BJP government in 2022 had previously introduced alterations to social science textbooks for classes 6 to 10 and Kannada language textbooks for classes 1 to 10, sparking opposition from various quarters.

Chapters featuring prominent figures such as social reformer Narayana Guru, freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, were omitted. The changes including the addition of RSS founder KB Hedgewar was widely opposed by several organisations and women's bodies. However, the government later reconsidered the decision to delete the chapters on Bhagat Singh.

Revisions Made: Nehru In, Hedgewar Out 

The government has reintroduced the lesson 'Letter to my Daughter' authored by Jawaharlal Nehru, and translated by Siddanahalli Krishna Sharma, back into the class 8 Kannada language textbook. This decision comes as a departure from the previous actions of the BJP government, which had dropped this lesson and introduced 'Bhoo Kailasa' by Parampalli Narasimha Aithal, a text that has now been removed from the curriculum.

A lesson on RSS founder KB Hedgewar, ‘Who Should Be an Ideal Man’ has been dropped and replaced with a lesson titled ‘Story of Sukumara Swamy’ authored by Shivakotacharya in class 10 (Kannada language). The works of other right wing ideologues such as Chakaravarthy Sulibele and Shatavadhani Ganesh in class 10 Kannada language textbook have been taken away. While Sulibele’s work ‘Heroes of Mother India’ finds no replacement, Ganesh’s work has been replaced with that of writer Sara Aboobacker, who authored War.

Textbook revision stood as a significant electoral commitment made by the Congress party. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pledged a comprehensive overhaul of textbooks for the upcoming academic year. Despite the submission of a total of 45 recommendations to the government, only 18 changes have been implemented thus far.

Expert Insights: Extensive Research, Labor Involved

Prof. Sanjay Lodha, a distinguished author with extensive experience in textbook writing for NCERT and the Rajasthan State Education Board, explained to The Mooknayak about  the laborious process involved in developing educational materials.

This process entails 3 to 4 years of intensive research, collaboration, and creative exploration. Previously, NCERT practiced assigning responsibility for entire textbooks to a single author. However, later under the leadership of Krishna Kumar, various committees were established, headed by chief advisors for each subject. 

For instance, Dr Lodha says, the revised political science textbooks were prepared by a group of some 45 eminent academicians and subject experts between 2003 and 2006. These materials underwent thorough testing as a pilot project, incorporating valuable feedback from students and teachers in selected schools. It is disheartening that these labor-intensive efforts are subsequently revised and manipulated without seeking consent from the writers.

Unfortunate Setback: Textbooks Prepared Under Congress Regime Dumped

Dr. Sanjay Lodha recalls a disheartening incident from his experience as one of the textbook creators for Social Science in the Rajasthan Board during the Congress regime. The development of the textbooks was a collaborative effort supported by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of ICICI. Dr. Lodha was responsible for Political Science, while Sacchidanand Sinha worked on Geography and Rajeev Lochan on History subjects.

The team worked diligently to prepare and test the textbooks as part of a pilot project. However, before the books could reach the students, there was a change in the regime, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in Rajasthan. Unfortunately, under the new government, the entire bulk quantity of textbooks was discarded and never made it into the hands of the students.

"Regardless of any regime, there are certain values of our country , ideologies enshrined in the constitution, social stratification, and historical facts that should be taught to every generation. If these aspects are neglected in textbooks, students will inevitably seek them out at a later stage through the internet. Attempting to hide or manipulate information becomes futile in the digital age. The need to provide comprehensive education that encompasses essential principles and knowledge is paramount ", Dr. Lodha emphasizes.

Dr. Lodha, along with 32 other writers, recently submitted a letter to the NCERT, disassociating themselves from the textbooks following the revisions, underscoring their concerns and discontent.