Mangaluru : The Class 9 Social Science Part 1 textbook of the state syllabus has triggered a controversy with Hindu groups questioning the logic of including only Christianity and Islam in its History chapters.
While the first chapter is titled ‘Christianity and Islam’, there is no reference to Sanatana Dharma, say Hindu activists. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages against the textbook, accusing the government of following appeasement politics. Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad too plans to oppose the chapters in the textbook prepared by the Karnataka Textbook Society.
The History section has four chapters which include ‘Christianity and Islam’, ‘Medieval India and Political Transition’, ‘Religious Promoters and Social Reformers’ and ‘Vijayanagara and Bahamani Kingdoms’. Though the textbook has no specific chapter that explains Hinduism, Chapter 3 – ‘Religious Promoters and Social Reformers’ — is about reformers Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhwacharya and Basaveshwara.
Dakshina Kannada district Mathru Mandali pramukh Asha Jagadish told TOI: “They have added a new chapter this year explaining the significance of Christianity and Islam. Through the textbook, they’re trying to teach children Christianity and Islam only to project that these religions are better. All of us know they are into conversion. We consider it as an attempt to promote conversion. Textbooks do not teach children the real history of India, especially about kings of India like Rana Pratap, Shivaji and other Hindu leaders. Kings who destroyed our nation have been projected as heroes,” she said.
“Why should only Hindus be secular and learn about other religions? Why shouldn’t students from other religions learn Sanatana Hindu Dharma?” asked Yogesh Veerashyiva in an online post.
Source : TOI
