Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 14 (PTI) Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Monday criticised the reported decision of NCERT to use Hindi titles for English-medium textbooks, describing it as a serious irrationality and a cultural imposition that undermines India's linguistic diversity.

He argued that replacing long-standing English titles, which foster sensitivity and understanding among students, with Hindi titles such as 'Mridangam' and 'Santoor' is inappropriate.

Also Read | Massive Drug Seizure: Indian Coast Guard Seizes Narcotics Worth INR 1,800 Crore Near Gujarat Coast in Joint Operation With ATS (See Pic).

This change, he contended, contradicts Kerala's commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and prioritising regional cultural autonomy.

The minister further stated that the National Council of Educational Research and Training's decision undermines federal principles and constitutional values.

Also Read | Layoffs at Dr Reddy's Lab: Indian Drugmaker Cuts Workforce Costs by Nearly 25%, Laying Off Employees With Over INR 1 Crore Package, Says Report.

Textbook titles, he noted, are not merely labels; they shape students' perceptions and imagination. Therefore, English-medium students should have English titles in their textbooks, he said.

He called upon the NCERT to review and withdraw this decision and urged all states to unite against such impositions. Education, he emphasised, should be a tool for empowerment and consensus, not a tool for imposition.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)