A panel formed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to guide revisions to the school curriculum has proposed the inclusion of the ancient epics Ramayana and Mahabharata in textbooks. This recommendation stems from the NCERT panel responsible for suggesting changes to the social sciences syllabus.
Professor CI Isaac, the chairperson of the committee, asserts that it is crucial to introduce the two revered texts into the curriculum to cultivate a sense of patriotism, pride, and love for Indian culture among students during their teenage years. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Professor Isaac emphasizes that teaching both Ramayana and Mahabharata is significant for students in classes 7 to 12.
“The committee has insisted on teaching epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata in the social science syllabus to students. We think that students in their teenage years build their self-esteem, patriotism, and pride for their nation,” states Professor CI Isaac.
He further highlights the importance of understanding one’s cultural roots, stating that the lack of patriotism among some students leads them to seek citizenship in other countries. Integrating the epics into the curriculum is seen as a means to counter this trend and instill a love for the country and its cultural heritage.
Professor Isaac clarifies that the panel’s recommendation to include Ramayana and Mahabharata in the syllabus is not a recent suggestion but has been advocated before. The panel underscores the inadequacy of teaching these epics merely as myths and emphasizes that the education system serves little purpose if students are not exposed to these significant cultural and literary works.
The NCERT panel, led by Professor Isaac, has been actively involved in suggesting revisions to the educational framework. Last month, it recommended replacing the term ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks, emphasizing a connection to the country’s historical and cultural identity. Additionally, the panel proposed replacing ‘classical history’ with ‘ancient history’ in the curriculum.
The overarching goal of these recommendations is to reshape the educational content to better align with cultural values and foster a sense of national pride among students. Professor CI Isaac asserts that the inclusion of Ramayana and Mahabharata is not only an educational imperative but a means to contribute to the development of a generation with a strong sense of self-esteem and love for their nation.
The panel’s proposals, if implemented, could significantly impact the way students engage with and understand India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. As education boards continue to evolve their approaches to teaching, these recommendations underscore the ongoing dialogue about the role of education in shaping cultural identity and fostering a sense of belonging among students.
