The new NCERT textbooks have been thoughtfully named to convey rootedness in India’s culture and knowledge systems. The names of the books are from Indian languages and not specifically Hindi, National Council of Educational Research and Training has stated in an official response to a controversy that erupted over criticism of NCERT for using Hindi titles for English medium books.
NCERT in its response said the chosen titles were not indicative of a linguistic preference but were instead selected for their cultural, linguistic and pedagogical significance.
“English textbook for Grades 1 and 2 is titled ‘Mridang’ derived from Mridangam, a widely recognised percussion instrument associated with Carnatic music,” NCERT said in a response.
While the English textbook of NCERT is a derivative of a Sanskrit title, math textbook titles for Grades 1 and 2 are in English titled ‘Joyful-Mathematics.’
Grade 3 textbook for English is titled ‘Santoor,’ a name of a musical instrument believed to have Persian origins, while the math textbook is titled ‘Maths Mela,’ which is an amalgamation of an English and Hindi word. Similarly, Grade 3 Hindi textbook is titled ‘Veena,’ while Urdu textbook is titled ‘Sitar.’
Titles such as ‘Santoor,’ are inspired by elements of India’s musical heritage, which are ubiquitous across country’s various linguistic and cultural traditions, NCERT has stated. It further said the titles were reflective of India’s diversity and unity, fostering a joyful and culturally contextualised learning experience for all students.
Grade 6 and 7 textbook for English is titled ‘Poorvi.’ For Grade 6 Maths the textbook is titled ‘Ganita Prakash.’ Similarly, Arts textbook for Grade 6 is titled Kriti-I, in which ‘Kriti,’ is a Sanskrit common noun for creation or work. NCERT has stated that ‘Poorvi,’ is named after a raga, traditionally sung at dusk.
A. Sarvanan, DMK spokesperson, stated, “In Tamil, we use the word ‘Kanak,’ for Maths, so it (Ganita Prakash) does not represent us. BJP is not the sole repository to ensure that we follow the same culture, same language…” Earlier this week, Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty criticised NCERT for using Hindi titles for English medium books.
In response, NCERT stated, the mathematics textbook titled ‘Ganita Prakash,’ draws from India’s rich mathematical heritage. “The title has been chosen to attract the curiosity of children about the rich mathematical heritage of the country.”
It further said, “Having Indian names for Mathematics or English language textbooks shall not only promote pride in Indian languages and culture but also generate curiosity about our rich cultural and scientific heritage.”
Certain textbooks are named in English — for instance, Grade 8 English textbook is titled ‘Honeydew,’ while Grade 9 English textbook is titled ‘Beehive,’ while Grade 10 English textbook is titled ‘First Flight.’
NCERT has introduced new textbooks for Class 1, 2, 3, and 6 along the lines of New Education Policy 2020. A senior official from NCERT told The Hindu that new textbooks for Grade 4 will be uploaded online on Friday, while Class 7 textbooks will be uploaded next week. “The new textbooks are available in the market and on NCERT counter. Early uploading of new textbooks leads to piracy,” the official added.
Published - April 18, 2025 07:34 pm IST
