NCERT's Clarification on Krishna River Naming in Class 6 Kannada Textbook
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has informed the Karnataka High Court that the reference to the Krishna River in a Class 6 Kannada textbook is based on the river's name, not the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. The clarification came during a hearing on a petition challenging the inclusion of a lesson that allegedly misrepresents the river's nomenclature.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted over a lesson in the Kannada textbook for Class 6, which states that the Krishna River is named after Lord Krishna. Critics argued that this is historically inaccurate and promotes a religious bias in educational material. The petitioner, an activist, sought the removal of the lesson, claiming it violates the secular principles of the Constitution.
NCERT's Stand in Court
During the hearing, NCERT's counsel submitted that the textbook merely states the river's name as Krishna, which is derived from the river itself, not the deity. According to NCERT, the river has been historically known as Krishna, and the lesson does not intend to associate it with any religious figure. The council emphasized that the textbook follows the prescribed curriculum and does not propagate any particular religion.
Impact on Education and Secularism
The case highlights the ongoing debate over the portrayal of religious and historical facts in school textbooks. The Karnataka High Court is expected to examine whether the lesson aligns with the National Curriculum Framework and the principles of secular education. The outcome could set a precedent for how rivers and other geographical features are described in textbooks across India.
Next Steps
The court has adjourned the hearing, directing NCERT to provide further details about the textbook's approval process. The petitioner has expressed dissatisfaction with NCERT's explanation, stating that the reference to Krishna could be misinterpreted by students. The final decision is awaited, with implications for textbook publishers and educational authorities nationwide.
