NCERT Responds to Controversy Over Grade 6 Kannada Textbook
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued a formal clarification regarding concerns raised about the Grade 6 Kannada language textbook, designated as R3. The council addressed questions surrounding both the book’s title and its content related to dietary practices, stating that the concerns are not grounded in factual accuracy.
Textbook Titles Inspired by India’s Major Rivers
NCERT explained that its language textbooks, particularly those in the R3 series, are named after prominent rivers of India. In this context, the Kannada textbook has been titled “Krishna,” drawing inspiration from the Krishna River, one of the major waterways flowing through Karnataka.
The council further revealed that other language textbooks follow the same naming convention:
- The Hindi textbook is titled “Ganga”
- The English textbook is titled “Kaveri”
- The Urdu textbook is titled “Jamuna” (Yamuna)
According to NCERT, this naming approach aligns with the goal of connecting students with local culture and Indian contextual realities. The council emphasized that the naming convention is consistent with the principles of cultural engagement and local relevance outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
Clarification on Balanced Diet Content
Addressing questions about the food-related content in the textbook, NCERT confirmed that Chapter 6 of the Grade 6 book extensively covers the concept of a balanced diet. The council highlighted that the chapter, titled “Health is Wealth,” begins by establishing that good health requires balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and proper hygiene practices.
On page 63, under the heading “Balanced Diet,” the textbook explains that the human body needs milk, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, and a variety of food items that should form part of daily meals. The council pointed out that this information is presented in an educational manner to help students understand the fundamentals of proper nutrition.
Both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Foods Represented
NCERT noted that the illustration on page 63 of the textbook depicts both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items. Additionally, the chapter includes examples of traditional and nutritious foods from various states across the country, providing students with exposure to India’s diverse culinary heritage.
The council clarified that the textbook does not advocate for vegetarianism nor does it oppose non-vegetarian food at any point. The chapter’s sole objective is to create awareness among students about healthy eating habits and the importance of a balanced diet for overall wellbeing.
Commitment to Quality Educational Material
NCERT emphasized that the textbook incorporates activities and questions designed to help students grasp the concept of balanced nutrition in an interactive manner. The council reiterated its commitment to providing high-quality learning materials to students and stated that it welcomes constructive feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders to further improve its textbooks.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny of educational content across the country, with NCERT maintaining that its materials are developed with careful consideration of pedagogical best practices and the cultural diversity of India.
