Mangalore, February 12: The Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike has sought immediate withdrawal of new social studies textbooks for fifth and eighth standards, which give a “communal and Vedic-oriented” interpretation of history.
Vedike secretary K.L. Ashok told presspersons that the textbooks sought to “glorify Vedic practices” and impose a “mono-culture”.
Citing examples, Mr. Ashok said that according to one of the textbooks, among the important places to be seen in Bangalore, were ISKCON temple which provides midday meals to schools, and one or two Jain temples. “There is no mention of temples of Shudras or Dalits,” Mr. Ashok said.
In the sections dealing with local histories, an extra name had been added, a goddess worshiped by the Dalits and Shudras, Mr. Ashok said.
Under the section on Vachana literature, there was a mention of Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi, but not of Basavanna, or any of the other lower caste vachanakaras such as Ambigara Choudaiah or Soole Sankavva. The textbook mentioned that Allama Prabhu started “Anubhava Mantapa”, but in reality, it was Basavanna who started it. Similarly, Dasa literature was associated with Pundaradasa, but the textbook mentioned Vyasaraya and Shri Haripadaraya. The section on science-related literature did not even mention Poornachandra Tejaswi, who was a popular writer.
Mr. Ashok said the vedike would pursue legal action for calling Baba Budangiri as “Chandradrona Parvata” while there was a Supreme Court stay order prohibiting the site from being named. The drafting committee of the textbooks had violated the Supreme Court order, he said.
The vedike would submit a memorandum to Minister for Primary Education Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri, which would be signed by eminent writers. A protest had been planned for February 22, he said.
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