NCERT also includes Swatantryaveer Savarkar’s demand for Swarajya in Class 8 syllabus
New Delhi – In the revised NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) Class 8 textbook “Exploring Society: India and Beyond”, the mention of Hitler in references related to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has been removed. Additionally, the demand for “Swarajya” made by Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar during the freedom struggle has also been included in the curriculum. Furthermore, significant changes have been made to the chapter related to the partition of India, titled “India’s Long Road to Independence”.
1. New mention on the Partition of India
The new book states, “The partition of India was also widely opposed by the Indian National Congress. Whether accepting partition was the only way forward or not remains a subject of debate and discussion even today.”
The old book stated that Congress leaders were left with no choice due to the circumstances in the subcontinent at the time of partition. It also mentioned that the British took advantage of the differences between Hindu and Muslim leaders to decide on partition, and despite the opposition of Mahatma Gandhi and most Congress leaders, the Congress eventually accepted it, viewing it as the only option.
2. Hitler and Nazi ideology removed from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose reference
The details related to the establishment of the Azad Hind Fauj have also been changed. The new book simply states, “Netaji sought the support of anti-British powers to form the army.”
In contrast, the old book explicitly stated that Netaji had sought help from Hitler. It also described Hitler as a dictator whose racist Nazi ideology and expansionist policies led to the outbreak of the Second World War. All these references have been removed from the revised edition.
3. Inclusion of Swatantryaveer Savarkar and “Swarajya”
Broadening the scope of the freedom movement, the revised curriculum now mentions the contribution of Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The book now states, “In the year 1925, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar also demanded ‘Swarajya’.”
Revision follows Supreme Court order
In February of this year, a controversy erupted over this Class 8 book regarding references to Hitler as well as remarks concerning corruption and pending cases in the judiciary. The matter reached the Supreme Court. Making strict observations, the court stayed the printing and digital distribution of the book. Following this, the NCERT issued an apology, withdrew the book from the market and digital platforms, and published the revised edition.
