Jammu Kashmir School Textbook Glorifies Terrorists as Great Personalities

A Jammu and Kashmir school textbook approved under the Samagra Shiksha initiative has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups for portraying designated terrorists and anti-national figures as exemplary personalities worthy of emulation by students.

The Jammu and Kashmir Parents Federation (JKPF) has raised serious concerns about the educational material, arguing that the content fundamentally misrepresents historical facts and distorts the narrative around individuals with documented ties to militant activities. According to the civil group, the textbook presents these controversial figures in a heroic light, potentially influencing young minds during their formative educational years.

The Samagra Shiksha scheme, a centrally sponsored education initiative, is designed to improve learning outcomes and provide quality education across India. The scheme typically involves oversight of curriculum materials before their approval and distribution in schools. The emergence of such contentious content raises questions about the adequacy of the review process for educational resources in the region.

Educational experts and child development advocates have long stressed that textbooks play a crucial role in shaping students' understanding of history, national identity, and values. Glorifying individuals with militant backgrounds could compromise the secular and inclusive ethos that educational curricula are intended to foster.

The JKPF has called for immediate intervention from educational authorities to revise the problematic sections and ensure that future textbooks undergo rigorous scrutiny. This incident underscores the ongoing debate about curriculum standards and historical representation in Kashmir's education system, an issue that has remained sensitive amid the region's complex political landscape.

Education officials have been approached for their response to these allegations.

Source: NDTV