MUMBAI: The State Education Department is contemplating to include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in the school syllabus in a different way. The new syllabus will be regarding these legends, however, it will not be about their lives but will be about their functioning and policies.
An Education Department official said, “Till now, we are teaching the students about these legends but it is just their biographies and the wars during their time. Even about Dr Ambedkar, they are taught how he faced problems in his life. This may spread hatred among society. Instead of that, we will include how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj implemented the water conservation in his era and his attitude towards the environment in the syllabus.”
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great ruler and warrior, but we know only about his bravery and not about his administration. Shivaji was the first king who ruled his state democratically. Students should be taught how he took care of his citizens in the syllabus,” the official said.“Even in the case of Dr Ambedkar, the students have been taught that he is the father of the Constitution. However, this is not the only identity of Dr Ambedkar. We must teach the students how he adopted the basics of the Constitution,” he added.
“This syllabus will teach students to analyse these great legends and adapt their policies. These changes will be incorporated in syllabus gradually as an expert committee will first study facts, then will decide the syllabus and then it will be implemented in schools,” the officer added.
