The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has given its detailed stand on the controversy and questions raised in recent times regarding the Kannada R-3 textbook of Class 6. The Council has clarified that from the title of the book to its food-related chapter, every topic has been carefully prepared from an educational and cultural point of view. In fact, in some reports, questions were raised about the name of the Kannada textbook ‘Krishna’ and the food related ingredients included in it.
Amidst these discussions, NCERT clarified that the name of the book is not linked to any ideology, religious context or specific message, but is part of the tradition of naming textbooks after the great rivers of India.
The Council said that the Hindi book has been published under the name ‘Ganga’, the English book ‘Kaveri’, the Urdu book ‘Jamuna’ and the Kannada book ‘Krishna’. Adopting the name of the Krishna River, which is deeply linked to Karnataka’s identity and cultural heritage, is a natural step towards linking the local context to education.
According to NCERT, the National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework 2023 have laid special emphasis on connecting education with local culture, traditions and lives of students. Under this thinking, the names of rivers have been given to the language books, so that the students can develop a connection with the cultural heritage of their region and country. It was being claimed about a chapter of the textbook that a particular type of food was promoted in it.
However, NCERT dismissed these apprehensions, saying that the main objective of the chapter ‘Health is Wealth’ is only to explain the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. It is clearly stated in the chapter that balanced diet, regular exercise and cleanliness are essential for good health. Students are also explained that milk, fruits, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and various nutritious food items play an important role in fulfilling the needs of the body.
Interestingly, in the pictures given in the book, not only vegetarian but also non-vegetarian food items have been given place. That is, food was not limited to any one scope, rather a comprehensive concept of a balanced and nutritious diet was presented.
Traditional and healthy dishes of different states of the country are also mentioned in the chapter. It aims to show students that India’s food culture is extremely diverse and rich, and that healthy eating can take many forms.
NCERT said in clear words that nowhere in the book has an attempt been made to prove the superiority of vegetarianism or to oppose non-vegetarianism. The entire chapter focuses only on developing health awareness and understanding of a balanced diet.
The Council said it is committed to providing quality education material and always welcomes suggestions and constructive criticism from teachers, parents, experts and other sections of the society to improve the textbooks.
On the controversy, NCERT says that the aim of the book is to develop students’ understanding of health, nutrition and Indian diversity by connecting them with the local culture, and not to endorse any particular idea or method of eating.
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