A committee of experts in the field of social sciences, appointed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to overhaul the school curriculum, has put forth several recommendations for significant revisions. One of the key proposals is the replacement of the term “India” with “Bharat” in school textbooks, a move intended to reflect India’s traditional name. Committee Chairperson C I Isaac has also advocated for the introduction of “classical history” to replace “ancient history” in the curriculum. Additionally, the committee has recommended the inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the syllabus for all subjects. While these suggestions are under consideration, NCERT Chairman Dinesh Saklani has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding their implementation. This potential shift in the way India is presented in educational materials signifies a broader conversation about historical and cultural identities within the country’s education system.
