Indian Government Defends NCERT Against Accusations of Confusing Science and Mythology
NCERT reading materials for schools on Chandrayaan-3 make references to Hindu gods and flying chariots
In reading materials for schools released last week, the government has defended textbook publisher NCERT against accusations of confusing science and mythology in its narrative of Chandrayaan-3 and of unjustifiably attributing the mission's accomplishment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In response to criticism from some academics and student organizations on the NCERT's Chandrayaan-3 references to Hindu gods and flying chariots, the education ministry released a media statement on Wednesday stating that mythology inspires creativity and the discovery of new information.
The statement, released via the government's public relations division, the Press Information Bureau, states that "philosophy and mythology put forward ideas and ideas lead to innovation and research."
Numerous studies have emphasized the crucial significance mythology plays in each nation's cultural fabric, including India. Furthermore, incorporating culture into the classroom develops students' creativity and problem-solving abilities in addition to helping them have a deep awareness of their country's historical history.
Ten "modules," or additional reading materials for students at different grades, on the accomplishments of Chandrayaan-3, were just released by the NCERT.
The success of the Indian Space Research Organization's (Isro) moon mission is presented in the middle school (Classes VI to VIII) module as a legacy of India's traditional knowledge.
"Has scientific progress just recently occurred?.. According to literature, it can be traced back to the Vymaanika Shastra, or "Science of Aeronautics," which demonstrates that our nation has knowledge of flying vehicles back then, according to the NCERT book.
"The oldest Indian texts, the Vedas, describe the transportation of various gods on wheeled chariots drawn by animals, usually horses, but these chariots could also fly."
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The module makes reference to a flying chariot described in the Ramayana as the "Pushpak Vimaan."
A number of modules, including those teaching students in Nursery and Classes I and II, claim that Prime Minister Modi encouraged Isro scientists to try again after Chandrayaan-2's failure.
According to a space analyst, who has been following Isro's operations for years as an amateur space enthusiast, the text suggested that the Prime Minister's support was what made Chandrayaan-3 feasible.
He did, however, add that Isro has an established belief that it must try again after every setback, and the space agency's track record demonstrates that it has accomplished this several times in the past.
The education ministry issued a statement in response to this criticism, saying that it was important to highlight the prime minister's dedication to space accomplishments. Acknowledging the Prime Minister's steadfast support and motivation for our scientists may stimulate pupils' curiosity in science and technology.
Class IX and X include four out of the ten NCERT modules, whereas Classes XI and XII comprise three. One exists for Classes II through V.
In the lead-up to many state elections and a general election, several government departments have initiated a campaign to put up selfie stations with pictures of Prime Minister Modi and text detailing the accomplishments of his administration.
