Ramayana and Mahabharata should be taught in social science curricula, according to NCERT. A high-level group of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has suggested that social science textbooks include epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
The seven-member committee’s chair, C. I. Isaac, disclosed that one of the recommendations is to etch the Constitution’s preamble on classroom walls. The group was founded last year, and with its final position paper on social sciences, it hopes to mold the groundwork for the creation of new NCERT textbooks. The NCERT hasn’t decided on these recommendations yet, though.
Isaac emphasized the value of teaching epics, arguing that include stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in the social science curriculum might help students develop a sense of pride in their country, patriotism, and self-worth when they are still in their formative adolescent years.
Citing the exodus of many students seeking citizenship overseas because they felt they lacked patriotism, he emphasized the importance of students developing a passion for their nation and culture and connecting with their roots.
The group, which has previously advocated for India to be referred to as “Bharat” in textbooks, also proposed replacing ancient history with “classical history” in the curriculum.
It also suggested emphasizing “Hindu victories” in textbooks for grades three through twelve. Issac emphasized the importance of the Preamble, which highlights democratic and secular social norms, and suggested that classrooms hang it to improve comprehension and learning.
In keeping with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the school curriculum is now being revised, and the new NCERT textbooks should be available for use in the upcoming academic year.
The panel’s recommendations may be taken into consideration by the 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), which was established in July to complete the curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials for various classes.
