SCERT's new textbook covers Kerala's historical background like Ayyankali to Rajan case
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government unveiled a set of new SCERT (State Council for Educational Research and Training) textbooks which includes new chapters on social movements, protests, and significant historical events within the state.
This initiative by the Kerala Government was prompted by the decision of the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) to exclude certain topics from its textbooks. The move by NCERT drew widespread criticism from the academic community. Following this, the Kerala government announced introducing new textbooks that delve into subjects omitted by NCERT. Later, SCERT compiled a selection of topics, resulting in the creation of six additional textbooks tailored for higher secondary classes in Kerala.
The textbooks released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday included topics that were omitted by NCERT, including events like assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and history of the Mughal Empire.
Besides such topics, the Government also incorporated historical events like Ayyankali's social reforms, birth of Kudumbashree, industrial developments and political events from the state's past.
In addition to Ayyankali, the Plus 2 sociology book mentions P.K. Rosy, the first Malayalam actress, many social reform movements such as the Channar revolt and Kallumala Samaram (Stone Necklace Protest), and socio-political events like the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising and Plachimada Protest.
Sreedhanya Suresh, the first tribal woman from Kerala to pass the Civil Services Examination, Dalit communities in the state, and other related topics are also discussed.
Regarding the state's industrial development, the history of trade unions in Kerala also finds a place in the textbooks.
When discussing the Emergency Period, the Rajan Murder Case is mentioned in the political science textbook. Furthermore, when addressing the Five-Year Plans, various developmental efforts from Kerala are included.