A high-level NCERT panel, led by chairperson C I Issac, has proposed the inclusion of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata in social sciences textbooks, along with suggesting the inscription of the Preamble of the Constitution on classroom walls. These recommendations, part of the committee’s final position paper on social sciences, are crucial for shaping the upcoming NCERT textbooks.

The panel, formed last year, awaits a decision from the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) regarding these suggestions.

According to Issac, emphasizing these epics in the syllabus aims to instill pride, patriotism, and self-esteem among teenage students. He highlighted the importance of understanding roots and fostering love for one’s country and culture, citing cases of students leaving the country due to a lack of patriotism.

Additionally, Issac mentioned the panel’s proposal to replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks, introduce ‘classical History’ instead of ancient History, and spotlight “Hindu victories” in textbooks for classes 3 to 12.

Emphasizing the noble values enshrined in the Preamble, Issac advocated for its display on classroom walls to facilitate understanding and learning.

The NCERT is aligning the school curriculum with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to roll out the new textbooks by the next academic session.

These recommendations from the panel will be reviewed by the 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC) assigned to finalize the curriculum, textbooks, and learning material for these classes.

Also read: NCERT panel seeks name change from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks