TNN May 3, 2005, 02.21am IST
LUCKNOW: Learning mythology is fine. Knowing history is necessary. But blending the two in textbooks meant for impressionable minds is a matter that is evoking deep concern here.
This and many other disturbing facts were found during a study of textbooks recommended in several non-government schools in Uttar Pradesh. The study was conducted on textbooks of Saraswati Vidya Mandir (SVM), schools funded and run by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), madarsas , schools running under the supervision of Mosques, and schools under the Council of Anglo Indian Schools.
Conducted by Roop Rekha Verma under the auspices of NGO Saajhi Duniya, the study concluded that while textbooks of Council of Anglo Indian Schools were found satisfactory, those of madarsas and SVMs were outdated and even objectionable.
President Saajhi Duniya, Vibhuti Narain Rai said, "both madarsas and SVM curriculum promote communalism." The books lack in scientific temper and promote superstition. The war between Mughals and Rajputs for example in history books is presented in a communal shade."
Verma said, "the books are against the national policy. Despite not being part of government or non-government approved list, a book titled 'Rashtriya Naitik Shiksha and Samanya Gyan' was being used by a number of schools. Though the cover boasts that the book is in accordance with the new education policy, it had nothing to highlight or strengthen it. On the contrary, the textbook suppresses scientific temper by reaffirming biases and disparities in a number of ways."
Citing an example she said, "A chapter named 'Ganga— The Holy River' (Reader for class three Vidyamandir book) shows a religious approach rather than a scientific one. The chapter begins with, 'It is believed that Ganga formerly flowed in heaven. Bhagirathi — the ancient king of Ayodhya brought it to earth' thus making the child believe in 'hell and heaven'. The chapter concludes with —'We call her 'Ganga Mata' — triggering the obvious question as to who these 'we' are. (Obviously, Hindus). These books are male-centric too. Sentences like 'The boy has a bat' and 'The girl has a doll' are a few examples."
