The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come under fire for omitting references to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent Indian independence activist and scholar, from its textbooks.
Azad, who was India’s first education minister and a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence, is widely regarded as a leading intellectual and scholar. However, his contributions have been largely overlooked in NCERT textbooks, sparking criticism from academics and political leaders.
The issue came to light when a group of scholars and activists published a report highlighting the omission of Azad’s contributions from NCERT textbooks. The report pointed out that several chapters in the textbooks have no mention of Azad, even though he played a critical role in shaping India’s educational policies and intellectual discourse.
The omission of Azad’s contributions has sparked a heated debate in academic circles and political circles. While some argue that it is a deliberate attempt to erase the contributions of Muslim scholars from India’s history, others claim that it is simply a reflection of the NCERT’s lack of emphasis on historical figures in general.
Critics argue that the omission of Azad’s contributions from NCERT textbooks is particularly egregious given his status as a prominent Muslim scholar and a leading figure in India’s independence movement. They argue that it is important to acknowledge the contributions of scholars like Azad in order to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of India’s history.
In response to the criticism, the NCERT has pledged to review its textbooks and include references to Azad’s contributions. However, some activists and scholars remain skeptical, arguing that the NCERT’s track record on promoting diversity and inclusion has been lackluster.
