NCERT Defends Hindi Titles In Textbooks After Kerala Minister's Criticism: ‘Taken From India’s Rich Musical Heritage’
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have said that language textbooks were named after Indian musical instruments and classical raga, as they were elements of India’s “rich musical heritage” and are “common across all linguistic and cultural traditions of the country”.
On Monday, Kerala Education Minister, V Sivankutty, had criticised NCERT’s decision to use Hindi titles for English medium textbooks. He said it was a serious irrationality and cultural imposition that undermined the linguistic diversity in India. He argued that the long-standing English titles foster sensitivity and understanding among students, while Hindi titles such as 'Mridangam' and 'Santoor' are inappropriate.
The Kerala Minister contended that this change contradicted Kerala's commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and prioritising regional cultural autonomy.
“Kerala, like other non-Hindi speaking states, is committed to protecting linguistic diversity and giving priority to regional cultural freedom. The titles of the textbooks are not mere names; they shape the perception and imagination of children. English-medium students deserve English titles. Education should not be an instrument of imposition but of empowerment and consensus,” the CPI(M) leader said he was quoted by The Indian Express.
Responding to this, NCERT said that its language textbooks have been named after Indian musical instruments and classical ragas like Bansuri, Malhar, Sarangi, Mridang, Veena, Santoor, Poorvi, Khyal, and Deepakam.
ALSO READ: Karnataka Eases Age Norms For Class 1 Admissions For 2025-26, One-Time Relaxation Announced
According to The Indian Express, NCERT said elements of “India’s rich musical heritage are common across all linguistic and cultural traditions of the country, making them ideal symbols to represent a unified language of joy”.
It said that the approach aligned “closely with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020” and emphasises “joyful learning, cultural rootedness, and the integration of arts and music into education”, as per the news outlet.
NCERT said that NEP recognised “that art and music transcend linguistic barriers, offering a universal medium of expression — a language of joy”.
NCERT is developing new textbooks aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. These textbooks were introduced for classes 1 and 2 in 2023, followed by classes 3 and 6 in 2024. This year, updated textbooks are being rolled out for classes 4, 5, 7, and 8.
The NCERT further said that, “naming of language and other textbooks has long been a tradition in NCERT, and the use of terms derived from Indian classical music is meaningful.” And said the terms were neither “translatable nor replaceable; they carry with them deep cultural and linguistic associations, helping children identify more strongly with their Indian heritage.”
Adding that the practice ensures the “students begin their language journey with familiarity, pride and a sense of belonging.”
india