Babri Masjids omission row: Amidst controversy over recent textbook revisions, NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani stated that school education should focus on positivity rather than violence. The changes in NCERT textbooks, including the removal of references to the Babri Masjid demolition and BJPs Ram Rath Yatra, have sparked debates across the educational landscape. NCERTs curriculum impacts nearly 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools nationwide. Saklani clarified in an interview with PTI that these revisions are part of routine updates, not attempts at saffronisation.Reasoning behind changesWhen questioned about omitting references to communal violence and the Babri Masjid demolition, Saklani argues against teaching such topics to young students. He stated, Why should we teach about riots in school textbooks He added that we wanted to create positive citizens, not violent and depressed people.Educational purposeSaklani questions whether children should be taught about riots and hatred or if their understanding should be nurtured as they mature. He defends focusing on recent developments like the Supreme Courts decision on the Ram temple construction.Addressing saffronisation allegationsResponding to accusations of saffronisation, Saklani asserted that updates reflect educational relevance. He defended the inclusion of historical and recent developments without ideological bias. Saklani defends teachings on Indias historical achievements, such as the iron pillar in Mehrauli, challenging accusations of ideological influence.Global educational standardsUpdating textbooks is a global practice to enhance educational quality, Saklani notes, emphasizing that changes are driven by expert consultation rather than top-down imposition. The ongoing revisions are the fourth update cycle since 2014, aiming to enhance educational content aligned with evolving knowledge and pedagogical standards.
