Class 1 and Class 2 English textbooks are now called “Mridang,” and Class 3 textbooks are now called “Santoor.”
The recent decision by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to give Hindi names to English-language textbooks has sparked a language-related controversy across the country. Although the council has not issued a statement, it is believed that the adjustment is part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Class 1 and Class 2 English textbooks are now called “Mridang,” and Class 3 English textbooks are now called “Santoor.” Poorvi is the new name for Honeysuckle, the sixth-grade English textbook.
States that do not speak Hindi have been particularly critical of the ruling. Kerala’s General Education and Employment Minister, V Sivankutty, criticized the name, saying it was disrespectful to India’s linguistic diversity.
In order to respect linguistic diversity and instill a sensitive approach in children’s minds, he said, “It is absolutely wrong to change the English titles that have been used for decades and to shift the focus to Hindi titles like Mridang and Santoor.” He also highlighted how children’s imaginations and thought processes are influenced by textbook titles.
Mr. Sivankutty also charged that the central government was attempting to erode linguistic diversity and violate the federal spirit of the Constitution. He asked for NCERT and urged other states to band together in their opposition.
Similar views have also been voiced in Tamil Nadu, where concerns regarding “Hindi imposition” have been raised frequently in connection with the NEP. Chief Minister MK Stalin has previously accused the central government of depriving schools that do not adhere to the three-language formula of the policy of their payments.
Even though NCERT has not yet responded to the criticism, the development has rekindled the long-running debate about language, identity, and education in a multilingual country like India.
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