Synopsis
Kerala's Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, calls for a united response from states against NCERT's decision to impose Hindi titles on English textbooks, arguing it undermines India's linguistic diversity and cultural autonomy.Key Takeaways
- V. Sivankutty advocates for a united stand against Hindi title imposition.
- NCERT's decision threatens India's linguistic diversity.
- Textbook titles shape students' perceptions.
- Education should promote empowerment, not imposition.
- Political tensions arise over infrastructure projects.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 15 (NationPress) Kerala's General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has urged for a collective response from other states regarding the reported decision by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to impose Hindi titles on English-medium textbooks.
"This represents a significant cultural imposition that threatens India's linguistic diversity. The replacement of established English titles, which promote understanding and sensitivity among learners, with Hindi titles like 'Mridang' and 'Santoor' is highly inappropriate. This alteration, he argued, contradicts Kerala's dedication to maintaining linguistic diversity and emphasizing regional cultural autonomy," Sivankutty stated.
The minister emphasized that Kerala, along with other non-Hindi-speaking states, is devoted to safeguarding linguistic diversity and prioritizing regional cultural independence.
"Textbook titles are not just labels; they profoundly influence the perceptions and imaginations of students. Students in English medium deserve titles in English. Education should be a tool for empowerment and consensus, not imposition," he asserted.
Interestingly, Sivankutty's opposition to this proposed measure follows his recent criticism of CPI state Secretary Binoy Viswam and his party for expressing concerns about the implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India initiative, which prompted the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet meeting on April 9 to postpone it.
"What is the issue with a central infrastructure project? Viswam has resisted it, reaching a point where he sounds like the Leader of Opposition," Sivankutty remarked.
Sivankutty, who began his political journey as a student leader, first attained prominence as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. He later won the Nemom Assembly constituency twice, faced defeat against BJP veteran O. Rajagopal in the 2016 elections, before reclaiming it in 2021 and taking on the ministerial role.
