A high-level committee formed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revise the school curriculum for social sciences has suggested incorporating epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata in textbooks. The committee, comprising seven members, has proposed writing the Preamble of the Constitution on classroom walls, according to committee chairperson CI Issac.
The recommendations, part of the committee’s final position paper on social sciences, are pivotal for shaping the foundation of new NCERT textbooks. The 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), tasked with finalizing the curriculum, textbooks, and learning material, will consider these proposals.
Emphasizing the significance of teaching these epics to students in classes 7 to 12, Issac stated, “Students in their teenage years build their self-esteem, patriotism, and pride for their nation. It is important for them to understand their roots and develop love for their country and culture.”
Issac clarified that the panel had earlier recommended replacing the name ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks and introducing ‘classical History’ in the curriculum. The inclusion of Ramayana and Mahabharata is not a new recommendation.
Regarding the suggestion to display the Preamble on classroom walls, Issac highlighted its noble values, including democracy and secularism. “We have recommended writing it on the walls of the classrooms so that everyone can understand and learn from it,” he added.
NCERT is aligning the school curriculum revision with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the new textbooks are expected to be ready for the next academic session.
