NCERT Uses Hindi Titles For English Textbooks, Kerala Minister Calls It ‘Cultural Imposition’ – News18

Last Updated:April 15, 2025, 18:58 IST

Sivankutty argued that replacing long-standing English titles, which foster sensitivity and understanding among students, with Hindi titles such as ‘Mridangam’ and ‘Santoor’ is inappropriate.

Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Monday criticised the decision of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to use Hindi titles for English-medium textbooks, calling it a serious irrationality and a cultural imposition that undermines India’s linguistic diversity, reported PTI.

He argued that replacing long-standing English titles, which promote sensitivity and understanding among students, with Hindi titles like ‘Mridangam’ and ‘Santoor’ is inappropriate. This change, he contended, contradicts Kerala’s commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and prioritising regional cultural autonomy.

The Minister further stated that the NCERT’s decision undermines federal principles and constitutional values. He added that textbook titles are not merely labels; they shape students’ perceptions and imagination. Therefore, English-medium students should have English titles in their textbooks, he said.

He called upon the NCERT to review and withdraw this decision and urged all states to unite against such impositions. He emphasised education should be a tool for empowerment and consensus, not a tool for imposition.

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According to the NEP-2020, no language will be imposed on any state, in fact, there will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula. The policy states that the three languages learned by students will be the choices of states, regions, and the students themselves, so long as at least two of the three languages are native to India.

The three-language formula applies to both government and private schools. The NEP proposes an “early implementation of the three-language formula to promote multilingualism” from the school level. The document states that the three-language formula will continue to be implemented “while keeping in mind the Constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions, and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity.”