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NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Refreshing And Beautiful": NCERT's New Textbooks For Classes 6-8 Receive Internet's Approval
The new Social Science textbooks for classes 6 to 8, published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), have received the seal of approval from the internet for showcasing the country's history through the right lens. The overhaul comes in the backdrop of demands about decolonising the textbooks, with the previous iterations seemingly overemphasising colonial perspectives and playing down India's glorious, rich past. A social media user named Star Boy Tarun took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their review of the newly released books, stating it was 'refreshing and beautiful' to go through the new curriculum. "The new Social Science books for Classes 6 to 8 are truly a delight. The Class 8 book is still not available on their site, but I have read Class 6 and 7 books and really loved them. Here are some key takeaways," wrote the user. Both class 6 and 7 Social Science books are titled, Exploring Society: India and Beyond and are available to the students in the 2025-26 academic cycle. Talking about the takeaways from the book, the OP highlighted that the book talks about "ancient history of India from Rig Veda" and even mentions its old name. "Name of Bharat and Jambu Dweep. Books talk about ancient history of India from Rig Veda and Sapta Sindhu name. Chapter also gives reference of Vishnu Puran for the name Bharat," wrote the user, adding that the books mention Veda, Vedic Gods and Upanishads. "There is a dedicated chapter related to cultural roots of India which talks about Hindu, Bodh and Jain culture." The books also include chapters on India's sacred rivers and mountains, highlighting their cultural and religious significance for the people. "My followers know that I've always been a critic of the Modi govt when it comes to education, but I must admit, this change feels refreshing and beautiful," the user added. See the post here: New Social Science Books by NCERT (Thread) The new Social Science books for Classes 6 to 8 are truly a delight. The Class 8 book is still not available on their site, but I have read Class 6 and 7 books and really loved them. Here are some key takeaways Read and enjoy! 1/18 — STAR Boy TARUN (@Starboy2079) July 17, 2025 'NCERT has finally...' As of the last updates, the post had garnered nearly 800,000 views, thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with the majority happy with the changes made by the government. "Maybe, this will start cleansing India of the false narratives of our own history, seeded by the past Marxist historians," said one user, while another added: "Wow. Finally. I truly appreciate this. Makes me want to go back and sit on the bench again." A fourth said: "In my opinion, this is gonna be the single most effective feat of the Modi Government since 2014."
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
In Sweden, Justice Surya Kant emphasises India's commitment to human rights, says ‘vital to respect diversity of approaches'
Underlining that India 'has historically demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights', Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant Monday said that 'it is somewhat paradoxical when countries with some of the most rigid immigration policies—and a documented tendency to resort to excessive use of force, even in response to minor infractions—position themselves as the foremost champions of human rights'. Speaking at the Embassy of India in Swedish capital Stockholm on the topic 'Human rights, the Indian Constitution and India as a resilient power', Justice Kant said, 'Such critiques, when unaccompanied by self-reflection or contextual understanding, undermine the very values they claim to uphold.' Pointing out that 'every nation crafts its human rights framework and crisis responses in accordance with its legal traditions, socio-political realities, and cultural ethos', he also said that 'it is vital to recognise and respect this diversity of approaches' while engaging in global conversations on human rights. Justice Kant said, 'Meaningful progress lies not in uniformity, but in mutual understanding, where each nation is afforded the dignity of its own path, shaped by both heritage and contemporary responsibility.' He said India 'has long been acquainted with the concept of human rights, with its principles deeply rooted in the teachings ingrained in our ancient texts, influencing our lives across centuries and epochs.' Citing a verse from the Rig Veda, he said it 'underscores a profound ethical ideal: that all human beings are equal, bound by a shared humanity, and ought to strive collectively for mutual upliftment and the common good'. Justice Kant said that in ancient India, dharmic law was regarded as above all human authority, which nobody, or no individual, regardless of their supremacy, could abolish. He said, 'The subsequent period of Islamic rule in India introduced a complex set of dynamics into the human rights discourse. The early phase, marked by invasions and conquests, was accompanied by widespread discriminatory practices and rights violations. However, in the later stages—particularly during the reigns of emperors Akbar and Jahangir—we begin to see the emergence of more progressive and nuanced governance.' Justice Kant added that 'it was perhaps during the British colonial period that India's human rights landscape descended into one of its darkest chapters'. The senior judge said that 'the colonial administration was marked by systematic economic exploitation, cultural marginalisation, and political repression' and added that 'there exist well-documented instances of grave human rights violations during' the period 'such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre…the oppressive system of indigo cultivation in Champaran…' and 'the Bengal Famine of 1770'. 'Given these atrocities, it comes as no surprise that human rights were routinely denied to Indians, who were subjected to institutionalised discrimination and treated as inherently inferior. A range of laws and administrative measures were enacted not to uphold justice, but to serve imperial interests. In doing so, the British dismantled and disregarded India's indigenous legal and political traditions, replacing them with frameworks that effectively excluded the majority of Indians from meaningful participation in social, political, and economic life,' he added. Speaking of human rights in the Indian context, he said the country's judiciary 'has played a pivotal role' in interpreting and expanding the scope of fundamental rights, thereby transforming constitutional guarantees into a dynamic and evolving human rights framework. 'Through progressive jurisprudence, the courts have consistently broadened the ambit of these rights to encompass a wider range of protections that align with globally recognised human rights standards,' he said. Pointing to the role of institutions like the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commissions, Justice Kant said, 'In practice… function as vital conduits for bringing instances of abuse or administrative apathy to the fore, particularly where traditional avenues of redress may be inaccessible or delayed.'
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Sanatan Dharma says life is not a problem to be solved
The word 'dharma' is a relatively minor word in Vedic times, appearing barely 70 times in Rig Veda, indicating something that is foundational and stable. The word for horses appears about 210 times, and the word for cows appears about 180 times. In one hymn (Rig Veda 3.3.1), there is a suggestion of gods being aware of the eternal (sanata) framework of rituals that creates stability. This indicates a belief that the rituals were seen as eternal, even performed by the gods, and so you have to keep performing them to keep order and rhythm in the world. Later, ritual belief turned into a more intellectual idea. The word 'dharma' and phrase 'sanatan dharma' became more important in the 2,000-year-old Mahabharata. By this time, even Buddhist and Jain scriptures were referring to their way (Buddha-Vachana, Jina-vani) as sanatan dharma which is the eternal path shown by the Buddhas and the Tirthankars.
United News of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
PM addresses Ghana Parliament, describes India as 'mother of democracy'
Accra/ New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described India as the "mother of democracy'' and said that Indian democracy is not merely a system but a part of its fundamental values. He noted that India would soon be the third largest economy based on the foundations of a stable polity and good governance. In his address at the Ghana Parliament, the PM said that in these times of global uncertainty, India's democratic stability shines as a ray of hope and its rapid progress is a catalyst for global growth. "As the world's largest democracy, India is a pillar of strength for the world. "A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world. True democracy promotes discussion and debate. It unites people. It supports dignity and promotes human rights. Democratic values may take time to grow. But it is our responsibility to preserve and nurture them,'' he said. In his address interspersed with Vedic verses, the Prime Minister said that India is the fastest growing emerging economy and on the foundations of a stable polity and good governance, will soon be the third largest economy. He said that from thousands of years ago, India has had centers like Vaishali. He quoted the Rig Veda, one of the world's oldest scriptures, saying आनो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वत (meaning let good thoughts come to us from all directions). This openness to ideas, he said, is the core of democracy. "India has over 2,500 political parties. I repeat, 2,500 political parties, 20 different parties governing different states, 22 official languages, thousands of dialects. This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts. The same spirit helps Indians integrate easily wherever they go. Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,'' the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said the world order created after the Second World War was changing fast. The revolution in technology, rise of the Global South and shifting demographics are contributing to its pace and scale. However, challenges like colonial rule that humanity has faced in the earlier centuries, persisted in different forms. He said the world is also facing new and complex crises like climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. Institutions created in the last century were struggling to respond. The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance. He said progress could not be possible without giving voice to the Global South. "We need more than slogans. We need action. That is why, during India's G20 Presidency, we worked with the vision - One Earth, One Family, One Future.'' Describing free and fair elections as the soul of any democracy, Prime Minister Modi said it was encouraging to see the Electoral Commissions of the two countries working closely together. He said India had put emphasis on Africa's rightful place at the global high table and Ghana's commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress made it a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent. Prime Minister Modi also paid tributes to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's founding President, and said his words continue to guide the shared journey of the two countries. Pointing out that the histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule, he said the spirit of the people had always remained free and fearless. "We draw strength and inspiration from our rich heritage. We take pride in our social, cultural and linguistic diversity. We built nations rooted in freedom, unity, and dignity. Our relationship knows no bounds. And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous 'Sugarloaf' pineapple. With President Mahama, we have decided to elevate our ties to a comprehensive partnership.'' Reciting a Vedic shloka, he said that for India, philosophy is - Humanity First and this philosophy embodied India's approach to the world. It guided our actions during the COVID pandemic. We shared vaccines and medicines with over 150 countries, including our friends in Ghana. The Prime Minister said that over the past decade, India had seen a major transformation. The people of India had reposed faith in peace, security, and development. In 2024 they re-elected the same government for the third consecutive time, something that happened after more than six decades. India already contributes nearly 16 percent to global growth. "Our demography is paying its dividend. India now has the world's third largest start -up ecosystem. India is an innovation and technology hub where global companies want to converge.'' He said Africa has been connected to many of India's proudest moments in space. "When India's Chandrayaan landed on the Moon's South Pole, I was in Africa. And today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments onboard Space Station for the welfare of humanity — I am once again in Africa. This is no ordinary coincidence. It reflects the deep bond we share, our common aspirations, and our shared future. Our development is inclusive. Our growth touches the lives of every Indian.'' He said people of India had resolved to make India a Developed Nation by 2047 when it celebrates 100 years of Independence. India remains a committed partner in Africa's development journey. "We support Africa's Development Framework, Agenda 2063, to secure a bright and sustainable future for its people,'' he added. From Ghana, the Prime Minister will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit on July 3-4. He will visit Argentina from July 4 to 5, before travelling to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS summit followed by a state visit to Brasilia. On the final leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will travel to Namibia. UNI RB RN
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Watch: PM Modi mentions India has 2,500 parties in Ghana Parliament. Then this happens
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Parliament of Ghana during his state visit, drawing applause and smiles when he said that India has over 2,500 political parties. The comment came as part of a broader speech on India's democratic values and cultural diversity. 'India is the mother of democracy. For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values from thousands of years ago,' Modi said. Referring to ancient traditions, he added, 'The Rig Veda says: Ano bhadraha kratavo yantu Vishwatah – let good thoughts come to us from all directions. This openness to ideas is the core of democracy.' PM Modi highlighted India's diversity and said, 'India has over 2,500 political parties. I repeat, 2,500 political parties. 20 different parties govern different states. We have 22 official languages and thousands of dialects. This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts.' The moment captured on video showed Ghanaian MPs reacting with smile, surprise and applause at the sheer scale of India's political plurality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra and paid floral tribute to Ghana's founding President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Accompanied by Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, he observed a moment of silence at the mausoleum dedicated to Nkrumah and his wife Fathia. 'Dr Nkrumah was a towering figure of Africa's liberation and unity. This tribute reflects India's deep respect for Ghana's history and shared commitment to freedom and justice,' Modi said. During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country's highest civilian award, by President John Mahama. Calling it a 'matter of immense pride,' Modi thanked the government and people of Ghana and dedicated the honour to the youth of both nations. 'I humbly accept this award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. I dedicate this to the aspirations of our youth, our rich cultural diversity, and the historic ties between India and Ghana,' he said. PM Modi's visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades — marks a significant moment in India-Africa relations. In talks with President Mahama, the two leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, focusing on trade, education, defence, and digital development.
