NCERT 10th Standard History book withdrawn in Goa

Jyeshtha Krushna Navami

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Updates

• NCERT 10th Standard History book withdrawn in Goa (27 Jun 08)
• Withdraw history textbook: panel (11 Jun 08)

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NCERT 10th Standard History book withdrawn in Goa

June 27, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Navami

Panaji (Goa): Goa Education Board has finally taken a decision to withdraw History text book set by NCERT for tenth standard as it had lot of mistakes and as there was distortion of history. History book for both Marathi and English medium has been withdrawn. The above information was given by Shri. Bhaskar Nayak, the President of Goa Higher Secondary Board in a press conference held yesterday. (Congratulations to Shri. Bhaskar Nayak as he took note of the mistakes in text books and took appropriate decision within few days after taking over as the President of Goa Higher Secondary School Board – Editor) As an alternative, the students will be provided  with History text books set by Maharashtra Text Books Committee. The books would be provided free of charge. Few schools were supplied the books for distribution today, informed Shri. Bhagat, secretary of Goa Education Board. (Hindus must pay gratitude at the feet of the Lord for the success of agitation carried out by all nationalists and pro-Hindu people under the flag of HJS – Editor) ‘Dainik Sanatan Prabhat (DSP)’ had first raked up this issue about mistakes, anti-Hindu stance and distortion of historical facts found in the History text book set by NCERT. DSP had constantly created awareness among people.

Later, HJS brought to the notice of Goa Education Board, the mistakes in text books for 10th standard. There were unpardonable mistakes like denigration of Hindu deities, in history of Europe, insult of Mahatma Gandhi, a no. of pictures of ‘Cross’ printed unencessarily in the book, pictures advocating smoking, wrong historical facts praising Muslims etc. Owing to the un-relenting L.M.T Fernandez, the then president of the Board and lack of seriousness of the Government on this issue, HJS started agitation all over the State with the participation of students, parents and especially Marathi and History loving people. As part of the agitation, enraged women offered bangles to the then President.

National Anti-tobacco Committee also raised objection to the pictures showing person unnecessarily smoking. It was then decided by the Board to rectify mistakes found in the Marathi medium book. HJS members met Shri. Kamath, the Chief Minister of Goa and apprised him of the problem. He assured HJS members of changing text books of History for both Marathi as also English mediums. Their Committee recommended withdrawal of new book and replace it with the book set by Maharashtra Board.

HJS is grateful to those participating in the agitation against ‘History and Political Science’ text book

HJS had started this agitation against ‘History and Political Science’ text book for 10th standard from March 2008 with participation of parents, teachers, students, pro-Hindu organizations and others who are interested in History, education and Dharma etc. The agitation was carried on in a lawful manner all over the State. HJS has thanked all those who have directly or indirectly helped to make it a success. This victory is of the people. Had the Government paid attention to the issue on time, students would have got text books also on time. Now at least, the Government should take note of  people’s views.

Source: ‘Daily Sanatan Prabhat’

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Withdraw history textbook: panel

June 11, 2008

Jyeshtha Shuddha Ashtami

Panji (Goa): Just as the committee under the chairmanship of the noted Goan educationist, Prof Suresh Amonkar examining the Marathi medium history textbook for Class X, has recommended immediate withdrawal of the textbook from circulation and undertaking its fresh translation, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has lodged a police complaint with the demand to impose a ban on the history and civics textbook for Class X for denigration of Father of the nation — Mahatma Gandhi.

It now remains to be seen what advice has the Goa Board in store for the Class X students of Marathi medium, who have already bought the textbook.

The HJS’s Goa state coordinator, Mr Jayesh Thali, who has filed the complaint maintained that the history and civics textbook for SSC contains objectionable passages like, ‘After Gandhiji returned from Africa to India, in the year 1915, he successfully led the state on the basis of casteism. Also, he decided to conduct Satyagraha throughout the nation for the Rowlette Act created by him in 1919. Further, Gandhiji had to stop this agitation because of the three reasons – Terrorism amongst the people and their humiliation by asking the Satyagrahis to bow down and rub their noses on the streets, to walk on the streets in the "kneel down" position and to salute all the British officers.’

The Amonkar committee, which presented its report on the Marathi medium history textbook for Class X to the education director, Dr. Celsa Pinto on June 2, has expressed surprise and anguish at the textbook, as its translation from the original NCERT English textbook has been done haphazardly, lacked professionalism and did not convey correct message of the original writer.

The report of the committee further says, "The book has innumerable grammatical and typographical mistakes, which makes reading of the textbook a frustrating experience for both students as well as teachers, adding, The translated draft of the book has not been proofread." It also observes that each page of the textbook, on an average, has 5 to 10 errors.

Goa Board is an autonomous body and has to function as such, the report mentions, Therefore, the preface to the book written by the chairman of the Board, Mr L M T Fernandes smacks of sycophancy and has undue laudatory references to the Education Minister, Mr Luizinho Faleiro.

The committee recommends that such references should be avoided by the chairman of the Board in the future, it points out.

The committee report also recommends, In view of the above observations, Marathi translation of the book should be immediately withdrawn from circulation and a new translation should be made available to the students.

The committee report further adds, A well-known Marathi writer must be appointed to guide the translators, suggesting that the fresh translation be based on the Hindi version of the textbook.

Prof Amonkar, when asked to comment on the report, declined to say anything stating that it is against the ethics. He, however, maintained that Mr Vishram Gupte and Dr Devendra Kandolkar, the two members of the committee extended a very good help to him.

Another noted educationist, on the condition of anonymity, told this daily that the Goa Board, which commanded respect and credibility, has now lost both.

The Board should now try to revive its past glory and dignity, with the help of its future chairman and other office-bearers, he opined.

Source: navhindtimes.com

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