I hope this update finds you in the best of your health. Each one of us across the globe has been fighting an invisible enemy for some months now. We are winning the small battles and the day is not far when victory will bring smile to our faces.
I wanted to post an update much earlier but due to some unforeseen circumstances, it was not viable.
Few months back, I had filed an RTI with NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training). I wanted answers for some simple questions:
- Why is there no mention of Kashmiri Pandits genocide and eventual forced migration from Kashmir, in school history books published by NCERT.
- Was there ever any serious consideration given to adding Kashmiri Pandits genocide and eventual forced migration from Kashmir, in NCERT history books. If so, what were the reasons for it not making the NCERT textbooks.
- Are there any chances or considerations being given to adding the Kashmiri Pandits genocide and eventual forced migration from Kashmir, in school history books published by NCERT. If so, what is the expected time-frame. If not, what are the reasons.
- What are the parameters/basis that are taken into consideration while selecting which piece of history is more important and relevant to students than other historical events.
- What are the steps taken by NCERT to ensure that recent events in Indian history (in past few decades) are taught in Schools.
I must appreciate NCERT for providing me the requisite information within the stipulated timeframe under RTI. The process was simple and online, which encouraged me more towards the cause as I did not had to move from door to door.
The reply under RTI did not surprise me as it was on the line of my expectation. I leave you all free to form your opinion after going through the RTI reply document. I just urge all of you to remain objective rather than reason with the answer.
In the end, I just want to ask you one simple thing:
If history of 1947 and prior events are important for school children to read and reason with, then why shouldn’t they have access to events of late 80s and 90s ? Can’t a school textbook which comprise of hundreds of pages, have half a page where the status of a Kashmiri Pandit being a refugee in his own country is explained?
Are we waiting for a day when a community already in the state of endangerment becomes extinct?
I hope right conscious awakens within us and we move towards the right path.
Please share your valuable suggestions for the next course of action. Spread the word.
Stay home, stay safe.
Satyameva Jayate.