Question : INDIAN CULTURE AS SUBJECT IN SCHOOLS



(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce Indian Culture as a subject in Primary, Secondary, Higher Secondary and University level and if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the steps taken to popularise Indian Culture among young generation;

Answer given by the minister



MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)to (b) The National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2005) developed by National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) emphasizes the significant role of culture in school education. NCERT’s textbooks are infused with various elements of the composite culture of India to create awareness among young learners. Various aspects of culture figure in different subjects, especially History, from the primary to higher secondary stages such as:

 
S.No. Class Chapter Name of Textbook
1. VI Chapter 5-What Books Our Pasts-I (Social And Burials Tell Us, Science-History), 2. VII Chapter 9- The Making Our Pasts-II (Social of Regional Cultures Science-History), 3. XII Theme 1(Bricks, Themes in Indian Beads and Bones, History-Part-I The Harappan Civilisation), 4. XII Theme 4-(Thinkers, Themes in Indian History-Part-I Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Development (c.600BCE-600CE), 5. XII Theme 6 –(Bhakti-Sufi Themes in Indian History-Part-II Traditions, Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (c. Eighth to Eighteenth Century)


The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken the following initiatives to promote Indian Culture in the young generation:
(i) CBSE has introduced ‘Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India” a new elective subject in classes XI and XII. This elective does not eulogize Indian heritage or traditions rather it is an attempt to develop respect for the country and enhance self-esteem of students.
(ii) CBSE also celebrates World Heritage Day on 12th January, when students reaffirm their commit- ment to preserve and protect the Indian Culture through Heritage Clubs and Heritage Walks.
(iii) The Board has launched a micro-site on the Heritage Education Portal: http://heritage.cbseacademic.in which is a platform for teachers through which they can help their students explore, learn and acquaint themselves with the local heritage and also provide links to connect them to National and World Heritage Sites.

UGC has no proposal to introduce Indian Culture as a subject at university level.

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