‘Titles thoughtful’: NCERT defends Hindi names for English language textbooks after Kerala slams move

NEW DELHI: Three days after Kerala general education minister criticised the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for using Hindi titles for English language textbooks, the education body defended its decision to use Hindi titles for textbooks, saying they have been “thoughtfully named to convey rootedness in India’s culture and knowledge systems”.

On April 14, Kerala minister V Sivankutty had called the NCERT move irrational and a cultural imposition that undermines India's linguistic diversity. The controversy centers around English textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 named “Mridang”, Class 7 textbook named “Poorvi” and Mathematics textbook named “Ganit Prakash”.

NCERT textbooks: Hindi titles

In a statement released on social media, the NCERT said, “The names of the books are from Indian languages and not specifically Hindi. ‘Mridang’ is derived from Mridangam, a widely recognised percussion instrument associated with Carnatic music.” According to the education body, “Poorvi” is named after a raga, traditionally sung at dusk.

“In a similar vein, the mathematics textbook titled ‘Ganit Prakash’ draws from India’s rich mathematical heritage. The title has been chosen to attract the curiosity of children about the rich mathematical heritage of the country,” the NCERT said.

It has said that having “Indian names will not only promote pride in Indian language and culture but also generate curiosity about our rich cultural and scientific heritage,” the statement said.

In his criticism, Sivankutty had said that the NCERT move contradicts Kerala's commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and prioritising regional cultural autonomy. He had asked the body to review and withdraw the decision and had also urged other states to oppose the imposition.