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The NCERT panel advises that the word "Bharat" be used instead of "India" in textbooks

 The NCERT panel advises that the word "Bharat" be used instead of "India" in textbooks


The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) established a panel on social sciences, and the committee's head, CI Isaac, was quoted as suggesting on October 25 that "Bharat" should be used in place of "India" in school textbooks.


According to Isaac, the seven-member high-level committee unanimously adopted the suggestion, and the panel also acknowledged it in its final position paper on social sciences.


According to Isaac, "the term India only began to be used widely after the establishment of the East India Company and the battle of Plassey in 1757." On the other hand, he said, the word "India" has been in use for almost 5,000 years. In light of this, Isaac said that all seven panelists agreed to suggest that Bharat be included in textbooks for students in all levels.


Notably, Article 1(1) of the Indian Constitution declares that "India, that is, Bharat, shall be a Union of States".


The change occurs only a few days after the Centre was seen advocating the use of the term Bharat in invitations for the G20 presidential dinner in September, which said that the "President of Bharat" would be hosting the event. After then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nameplate at the G20 heads of state summit also referred to Bharat instead of India.


Isaac said that the group has proposed the inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the curriculum for all disciplines and that "classical history" rather than "ancient history" be featured in history texts.


Indian history was split into three eras under the colonial British rule: the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Isaac allegedly said that this demonstrated the gloomy and illiterate nature of ancient Indian history. As a result, he said, "We have recommended that the classical period of Indian history be taught in schools alongside the medieval and modern periods."



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