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Kerala and Tamil Nadu Challenge NCERT’s Renaming of Textbooks

NCERT defends Indian-language titles for English-medium textbooks as Kerala demands reversal over concerns of cultural and linguistic imposition.

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An NCERT official said the new textbook titles have not been picked because of linguistic considerations. (HT PHOTO)
The NCERT said that due consideration has been given to culturally resonant names such as Ganita Prakash, Kaushal Bodh, and Khel Yatra. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Overview

  • Kerala's Education Minister V. Sivankutty has formally written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging a reversal of NCERT's decision to rename English-medium textbooks with Indian-language titles.
  • Tamil Nadu political leaders, including Congress Chief K. Selvaperunthagai, have echoed similar objections, citing concerns over linguistic imposition and federal principles.
  • NCERT defends the renaming as part of a decolonization initiative under NEP 2020, highlighting the cultural and pedagogical significance of titles inspired by Indian instruments and ragas.
  • The renaming applies to textbooks for classes 1–8 introduced between 2023 and 2025, with plans to extend the changes to classes 9–12 by the 2026–27 academic session.
  • Critics argue that the new titles undermine India's linguistic diversity, while NCERT emphasizes their goal of fostering pride in Indian heritage and inclusivity.