In response to widespread criticism regarding the recommendation of the NCERT Social Science Committee to replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks as part of curriculum reform, Professor C. I. Issac, the panel chairman, addressed the concerns on Thursday. He emphasized that their intention was not to eliminate the term ‘India’ from education but to promote ‘Bharat’ in order to foster self-esteem. Prof Issac stated, “In my decades-long career as a teacher, I have witnessed the difference in perception students have when they hear ‘India’ and ‘Bharat.’ The effect of these two names can be visibly understood. Students are happier when they use the name ‘Bharat.'”
He also clarified that the recommendation did not intend to exclude ‘India’ from teaching but to instill self-esteem by using ‘Bharat.’ Prof Issac noted the historical significance of the term ‘Bharat,’ which has roots in ancient texts, stating, “The name ‘Bharat’ has been mentioned in the Vishnu Purana, which is over 7,000 years old. Kalidasa also used this name. ‘India’ became widely used after the Battle of Plassey in 1757. It was in this context that the recommendation was made to use the name ‘Bharat’ in textbooks up to Plus-Two.”
He affirmed that his recommendation was not influenced by external pressure and that he stood by his decision. The Social Science Committee’s position paper contained four recommendations, including the name change. It proposed replacing ‘ancient history’ with ‘classical history’ and emphasizing the inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the curriculum.
The final decision regarding these recommendations will be made by the Curriculum Reform Committee after evaluating the position papers submitted by the expert panel and various states. NCERT responded by stating that it was not appropriate to comment on the matter at this time.
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