To: West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE)
Secretary, Department of School Education
Ministry of Education, Government of West Bengal

 
Subject:
Request to Review and Revise Misleading Content in Class VI History Book Atit o Aityajya

 
We, the undersigned, call upon the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) to urgently review and revise portions of the Class VI history textbook titled Atit o Aityajya, which currently presents historically inaccurate and misleading claims about ancient Indian civilization — particularly regarding Lord Ram and the origins of Indian culture.

❗ Areas of Concern:
The textbook claims that the name “Ram” is related to the English word “Roaming.”
→ This is etymologically false.
“Ram” comes from the Sanskrit root “ram” (to rejoice, to dwell) and is a central name in Indian religious, cultural, and historical tradition. “Roaming,” on the other hand, is a Germanic word with no Sanskrit connection.
The textbook implies that Ram was an outsider or invader who came to conquer India.
→ This is based on colonial-era racial theories like the outdated and discredited Aryan Invasion Theory, which have been rejected by most modern scholars and archaeological evidence.
In traditional Indian texts like the Valmiki Ramayana, Ram is born in Ayodhya, a native of the land, and not an outsider.
The book blurs the line between myth, folklore, and history without clear explanation.
→ While critical thinking is important, teaching speculative or fringe theories to young students without historical grounding fosters confusion and cultural disconnection.
 
⚖ Why This Matters:
Lord Ram is a national and cultural icon, revered by millions.
Education should be truthful, responsible, and respectful of cultural heritage, especially when dealing with figures as significant as Ram.
Presenting false etymology and debunked invasion narratives as fact undermines trust in the education system and promotes intellectual dishonesty.
 
📌 Our Demands:
Immediate expert review of the Class VI textbook Atit o Aityajya, particularly the sections related to Ram, Indo-European migration, and early Indian civilization.
Removal or correction of all false claims, such as the Ram-Roaming linguistic connection and the portrayal of Ram as a foreign invader.
Addition of scholarly context to distinguish between mythology, literature, and verifiable history.
Transparent communication from WBBSE to schools and educators regarding any revisions or clarifications issued.
 
We are not opposed to critical inquiry or teaching multiple perspectives. However, foundational education must be based on truth, integrity, and responsible scholarship — not pseudo-history or speculative analogies.

Let our children learn to think, not be misled.

 
📢 Sign this petition to demand:
Respect for Indian civilization and its heritage
Correction of misleading textbook content
A balanced, factual history curriculum for all students
 
Jai Hind.
Jai Sri Ram.
Truth in Education is our Right.