Seventh standard Textbook controversy in Kerala
June 25th, 2008
Check out the updated post on this issue here.
The seventh standard textbook controversy is snowballing into a major law and order issue in Kerala. The issue has turned into a fight between fake atheists and religious fanatics.
In this post, I am not going to look at what idiots on both sides are doing. Instead let us take a look at the text book contents. The controversial section starts with a heading "mathammillatha jeevan" (atheist jeevan or more precisely jeevan who has no religion).
The scenario is where a student is getting an admission in school. The rough translation is,
Headmaster : What is your name?
Child : JeevanHeadmaster : What is your father’s name?
Child : Anvar RasheedHeadmaster : What is your mother’s name?
Child : Lekshmi DeviHeadmaster (to parents) : What I should enter as child’s religion?
Parents : Leave it blank.Headmaster : caste?
Parents : Leave that also blank.Headmaster : What happens if he wants a religion when he becomes an adult?
Parents : Let him choose the religion he wants.
As you can see there is nothing much in it. Only an idiot will say that it is an attempt to bring communism (see my updated post). At the same time, I don’t know what this utopian idealist scenario is supposed to achieve. Actually the above part was completely unnecessary in the textbook. Take a look at what follows,
As you can see the textbook is actually trying to project the need for embracing religious principles. It is actually quoting the "golden rule" from bible, mahabharatham and kuran - "How you want others to treat you, treat them the same way".
Clubbing this with "the boy without religion" is going to complicate things, especially since the text is intended for a 12 year old!
Now the weirdest part is yet to come. Look at the following,
It is a question -
Which religious group is affected most by price rise, water scarcity, epidemics and earth quake?
The idea here obviously is that everyone is equally affected and hence we are all equal. The intention in this chapter is good, but the execution is confusing. It can also lead to a lot of misinterpretation.
Well, that is the worst you can think about the textbook. Obviously there isn’t anything in the textbook which actually tells you to "embrace communism"! (see my updated post).
Food for your thought
- In Kerala you can do any nonsense providing you give it a religious coating. You can block roads, you can operate 2000W speakers full volume at 12 in the night, you can encroach national highway, you can almost do any illegal stuff provided you back yourself with some local religious sentiment.
- Now the same nonsense can be done with more impunity if you have the backing of SFI or DYFI. Law simply doesn’t apply to you.
Check out the updated post on this issue here.
Click here to receive latest site updates in your email!
Related Entries
- More on the seventh standard textbook
- SSLC textbooks for download
- New sex education plan in Kerala
- What is the real threat to our country? - politicians!
- Malayalam movie actress - Meera Jasmine
June 25th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
That was perfect. And now please read my posts and the comments.
http://www.kenneyjacob.com/2008/06/25/religious-freedom-does-not-mean-that-you-can-shove-anything-down-our-throats/
This is what I call “Religious arrogance”
June 25th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I wonder how many of those protesting has actually seen the textbook.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Bingo!
I was wondering why the article on the same topic wasn\’t featuring here on Kerala Tips. Well written.
Pathetic, thats what i have to tell about the rouge out there on the streets fighting against this.. They ought to be taught a few lessons themselves, the jackasses.
Kerala, of all people, forgive these sinners who are fighting to \’protect\’ religion..
June 26th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Its very nice lesson. I don’t understand,why some of the public make protest against it. I think, most of them didn’t see this lesson yet..
June 26th, 2008 at 10:01 am
The last one (Which relegious…?)is utter nonsense. The people who put this in the book are either mentally retarded or lack communication skills?
June 26th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
hey what’s wrong with this lesson. I think this is the perfect message that can be transfered to a 12 year old child. i feel pitty shame on those who opposed it. It’s not Communisim it is Humanism. well done Government!!!!
June 26th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
hi brothers and sisters of kerala. please dont hear the stupid protests of this mad religious or political leaders. let them go to any hell of any religion.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Well said mates!!!!!
Actually, till now the students were just doing the memory test to pass the exams. Now they are actually taught to think for themeselves. They should understand that what all things that are taught may not be true. they ahave to find the truth. thats the meaning of education. The last image given in the above article is a good example for that. that makes the kid to think abt what is happening around him.
THose who are agiatating against the lessons are not knowing the base issue. This agitation is, arguably, triggered by the religous heads, for the simple fact they dont need thinking brains but obedient slaves……….
A simple and humble request to those who agitate against the issue……..”You have the right to express yoiur protest, but please….please…..don’t burn books……
June 26th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I cant understand why this religious leaders and the politicians are opposing this book.This book will enhance the religious harmoney atleast among the upcoming generation.Who ever opposing this are not doing it for the the public sake.So please stop this non sense and allow the children to grow with the right attitude towards the society.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Mr MA baby is trying to act as reformer like joseph mundessery. The he had make lot trouble here. this strike before stund for election
June 26th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
if there is any wrong in the school admission register form, it is to be corrected instead of attacking the religious beliefs with a hidden agenda.
That is why this portion is opposed. The message between the lines is of course makes an Atheistic sense in the mind of child. Atheism is the basis of Marxism.
Why these guys are trying to crash on the belief of citizens ? As they have right not to believe in the God, others have a right to believe in God.
If these bitches do not exploit the religious passions for their political gains, there will not be any problem.
From Ottappalam by-election where these guys succeeded by the support of ISS of Mr.Madani, in the last assembly elections Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan has pleased Dioceses and one division of Muslims simultaneously during his ‘ KERALA YATHRA’. Other underground games are not mentioned here.
In short The Government of Kerala can easily take away the column for religion from the school registry or may make it optional. This legislation does not need a mass support from the public.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:49 am
There is also high risk for students. If such a question comes for the exam and the student sides with communists or capitalists. Suppose the teacher who values is either leftist or rightist. Then, even if the student has justified his view well, he will get more or less marks depending on the political affiliation of the teacher!!!!! Sometimes he may get 0 marks for expressing his view and lose more marks for other questions also.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am
There is a hidden agenda behind all these. These Chinese spies want to spread politics in schools. The teachers under communist rule can be used to canvas school children throughout the state to join SFI. Chinese communists have captured Nepal and most parts of North Central India (where they have their own rule, having separate communist country within India). Now China is using these Stalinistic spies to make Kerala into another Nepal. So beware Kerala!!!!!!
June 27th, 2008 at 9:52 am
@Balu,
You are correct to point out that once precision of ideas is lost in the textbook, anyone can pump in any nonsense. In the example above if the student praises Mukesh Ambani for his contributions, is the teacher supposed to give him negative marks?
June 27th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Well, how would the commies react if the following is made part of a class 10 text book:
1. Which political ideology is known to have killed the maximum number of people in 20th century?
a) Nazism
b) Fascism
c) Communism
2. To sabotage Gandhi and Indian Freedom movement during WW-2 by siding with Britain and USSR is:
a) historical necessity
b) historical blunder
c) historical accident
3. Which of the following countries should NOT have a nuclear bomb?
a) India
b) China
c) North Korea
June 27th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
>>Only an idiot will say that it is an attempt to bring communism.
There is text, and there is subtext. The text seemingly doesn’t have anything to do with communism. The subtext is: you’re good parents if you bring up your child this way. Not otherwise. That is communism.
Present an argument why I should not want my child to grow up as, say, a Hindu.
I’d say that the litmus test of good parenting is different. Impart values such as compassion in children, and teach them not to endorse any theology or ideology that is known to have killed innocent people, or condones killing innocent people. The Kerala textbook is not advocating this line, and for that reason, its motive is to spread communism.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Please see updated post. I have changed my opinion after reading the entire textbook.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I think the book is correct in its attitude towards religion. This must me the way children should be taught. Like Robert Pirsig said - “When one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion”…
June 28th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
FOR MY THOUGHT OF WAY I CN’T FOUND ANY THING WRONG OR HEARTING ANY RELIGION OR SOME OTHER THINGS LIKE ANY RURAL PARTY ,SO THIS CONTRAVERSAL ISSUES ARE TOTALY RUBBISH AND AT ANY COST IT SHOULD BANNED BY THE GOVERNMENT
June 29th, 2008 at 10:28 am
In my opinion,this is not a fact for someone to put forward a riot.This text is a moral that should be followed.And i think the attitude that the different politicians have shown is completely political.Each one of them,when in trouble,will not ask the cast or religion to the person who comes for their help.At that time,its the life that is important.
June 29th, 2008 at 11:44 am
this has good side as well as bad side
June 29th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
i congaratulate the kerala education ministry on this regard because this isthe way in which our futures shoul be build on
June 29th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Having just returned home (to Bangladesh) from a brief visit to Kerala, I was curious about the textbook controversy and checking the internet to learn more about it. The controversial text is quite interesting in that it portryas exactly the same stance that my wife and I took in relation to our son who just turned 10. In his school (which is run by missionaries), we asked that the religion box be left blank for him. This is of course not always easy to do in countries like ours. We have also had to talk to our son many times to reassure him that it\’s OK for him not to have any religious label at the moment. He would have loved to see the Kerala textbook entry in his own school textbook! (However, from reading some comments, it seems that the matter could have been conveyed more skillfully, without giving the bigots a chance to grind their axes–but I cannot judge this fully myself as I cannot read Malayalam).
June 29th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Opposition parties are stupid.What is the harm if study the 7th std. social studies book.Public should begin protect against the stupid opposition party in Kerala.
June 29th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Opposition parties in Kerala are stupid.What is the harm if study the said 7th Std. text book. Public in Keral should begin protest against the stupid opposision parties those disorder the puplic life.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
the findings of the opposition parties are absolutely right.Whatever it is as a generalist i think it is to spread the evils of communism in children.else why this much double meanings….this text book must be abolished immediately. Please withdraw the book soon
July 1st, 2008 at 12:02 am
THERE IS ONE RELIGION
July 1st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I dont think that there is a problem in the text.I think that this book will enhance the religious harmoney atleast among the upcoming generation, and also try to say that the former Educational minister Mr.Sooppy,he is no more and not eligible to sit in seat of honourable educational minister . He first fired the text book.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I wonder how many of those protesting has actually seen the textbook.Having just returned home (to Bangladesh) from a brief visit to Kerala, I was curious about the textbook controversy and checking the internet to learn more about it. The controversial text is quite interesting in that it portryas exactly the same stance that my wife and I took in relation to our son who just turned 10. In his school (which is run by missionaries), we asked that the religion box be left blank for him. This is of course not always easy to do in countries like ours. We have also had to talk to our son many times to reassure him that it\’s OK for him not to have any religious label at the moment. He would have loved to see the Kerala textbook entry in his own school textbook! (However, from reading some comments, it seems that the matter could have been conveyed more skillfully, without giving the bigots a chance to grind their axes–but I cannot judge this fully myself as I cannot read Malayalam).There is text, and there is subtext. The text seemingly doesn’t have anything to do with communism. The subtext is: you’re good parents if you bring up your child this way. Not otherwise. That is communism.
Present an argument why I should not want my child to grow up as, say, a Hindu.
I’d say that the litmus test of good parenting is different. Impart values such as compassion in children, and teach them not to endorse any theology or ideology that is known to have killed innocent people, or condones killing innocent people. The Kerala textbook is not advocating this line, and for that reason, its motive is to spread communism.if there is any wrong in the school admission register form, it is to be corrected instead of attacking the religious beliefs with a hidden agenda.
That is why this portion is opposed. The message between the lines is of course makes an Atheistic sense in the mind of child. Atheism is the basis of Marxism.
Why these guys are trying to crash on the belief of citizens ? As they have right not to believe in the God, others have a right to believe in God.
If these bitches do not exploit the religious passions for their political gains, there will not be any problem.
From Ottappalam by-election where these guys succeeded by the support of ISS of Mr.Madani, in the last assembly elections Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan has pleased Dioceses and one division of Muslims simultaneously during his ‘ KERALA YATHRA’. Other underground games are not mentioned here.
In short The Government of Kerala can easily take away the column for religion from the school registry or may make it optional. This legislation does not need a mass support from the public.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:49 am
There is also high risk for students. If such a question comes for the exam and the student sides with communists or capitalists. Suppose the teacher who values is either leftist or rightist. Then, even if the student has justified his view well, he will get more or less marks depending on the political affiliation of the teacher!!!!! Sometimes he may get 0 marks for expressing his view and lose more marks for other questions also.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am
There is a hidden agenda behind all these. These Chinese spies want to spread politics in schools. The teachers under communist rule can be used to canvas school children throughout the state to join SFI. Chinese communists have captured Nepal and most parts of North Central India (where they have their own rule, having separate communist country within India). Now China is using these Stalinistic spies to make Kerala into another Nepal. So beware Kerala!!!!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 am
I dont think that there is any problem in the chapter. Only objection I have is regarding the last part mentioning about the Price hike affected religion. Dont know what they mean by that question. It will be more appropriate if they avoid that part from the chapter.
Also to the media, they shoud give more importance not to the violence near secretariate but to publish the content of the text book so that the common people can go through it and asses themselves.
Anyone who is protesting against this may PLEASE GO THROUGH THE TEXT FIRST AND THEN ‘THINK’(not inside a political party or any religion) ‘THINK FREE’ and keep you MIND open so that we all together can make a better INDIA….with no religious fight,racial fight,international disputes….All togethet
*****LIVE AND LET LIVE*******
July 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Im 100% agreeing with the gov, our new generations should learn the value of unity not of diversity,
Im a christian, Im openly speaking, majority of we have the openion of supporting this lesson, the openion from religious leaders is only personal and they are forcing the pepole to argee with this, this is not at all possible.
I this issue is related with the christian management school / college issue with the gov. The christian priest are attacking Gov intentillay, which the christians will not support. (Now days the christian managements are big business minded and political paly makers )
Their actual problem is not the text book, But the war against the Gov. Public will understand this and they will be questioned ones.
July 12th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
This protest is 200% politically motived sponsored by UDF leaders and some alleys.This will not success in Kerala unless it is proved that there is something against Reglegion and trying to spread Communism. Until now it is not proved.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I read the complete text book and realise that nothing aginst relegion and not trying to spreading communism. If thus we have to protest.
Well wisher people should stand against those who make this issue and protest. Now we realise the standard and thought of RELEGIOUS GROUP LEADERS & WORST OPPOSITION PARTY LEADERS. You are leaders of worst people and you want to conflict in society for nothing.
To the above leaders -If you have still doubt read the book complete and think.And also think that this is KERALA not not any remote village in north Indian States!
Benificiary of this issue is Muslim League they have no good support from Muslim community throught this issue they are trying to bring all Muslim groups (except few group)in one umberella then they can utlise this unity forthcoming election.
July 13th, 2008 at 6:06 am
More than the text it is the subtext of the book (7th standard) conceived and clumsily put together by the half baked Shastra Sahitya Parishad stalwarts committee that is ojectionable .The main stream progressive understanding of Indian history and society is amputated and falsified to subserve the communist ideology .There is nothing wrong in parents opting out of mentioning the religion of the child while joining the school or telling the teacher that the child will chose his/her own religion when he/she grows up.But there is everything wrong when the lesson is imposed on children and parents who think that they should be rooted in the religion of their forebears.
India has a great constitution which allows its citizens to follow any religion or no religion .
The humanist - no religion, movement will not get good mileage by keeping the controversial lesson in the text book . The government can consider deleting the text and keeping it out of syllabus .
However this will not change the partisan projection of Indian and Kerala history and the objectionable subtext of the textbook.
There are lessons asking children to identify the feudal lords and families of the past . There are lessons which depict the inhuman treatment meted out to untouchables by the upper caste . The exercises sought to be completed by the children could create unwholsome situations in the present Kerala context . Due to successful land reforms feudal houses are in financial ruin and children of those families today sit side by side with children of the former untouchable families in the schools . The lessons included in the text will instil superiority complex in the upper caste children vis a vis the lower caste children in the class. Conversly hatred for the upper caste in the lower caste child . Instead of promoting harmony and brotherhood the lessons are likely to recreate old animosities .
Imagine there is a quarrel in the class between a savarna boy and an avarna boy in the seventh standard over a piece of chalk or pencil or book . The lessons in the text can make the savarna boy shout at the avarna boy that the latters grand grand parents were eating the ‘echil’ (left over food) of his family in olden days . The poor avarna boy can get hurt mentally and iether sulk or fight with the savarna boy . Incidentally there is a lesson describing the obnoxious way food was served by the upper class to the lower class in the text book
There is no need to teach history in this manner till the children reach adulthood and can stand on their own in understanding history with all its cruelty and complexity .
Then there is the trivialisation of Mahatma Gandhi , Jawalharlal Nehru etc . In order to give space to Bhagath Singh etc there was no need to do so .
The seventh standard text has an English version which is an atrocious document from the langage angle. The half baked educational standard of the shastra sahitya parishat stalwarts is brought out by this book. If Prof Yashpal who gave a good certificate to the text book , according to mantri MA Baby had read through this book he would have known the the type of substandard teaching of English in Kerala.
Constituting a new committee of non political educationaists to compile a new text or revise the present text book can be considered .
July 13th, 2008 at 6:08 am
i have submitten the comment
July 15th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Here is nothing against Religion.This chapter deliver the fragrant of our holi books. I dont know why these religious leaders are shouting against this chapter. Let them read at least their holi books.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Please remove this book……fully wrong…too cheap..
July 24th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
This book fully contains against Religion especially Muslims. So please remove immedately
August 8th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
ETHE MAHA MOSHAM…………………………………..
ETHE MAHA BORE……………………………………
ETHE MAHA VANCHANA……………………………
August 11th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Next time,Before publishing any school text book should be obtain approval from all UDF leaders , KSU ,MSF and Christian Priest and all relegious group leaders.If any one of the above reject to appove, please hold publishing of the book.
We are above all ! Education Department is nothing !!!!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I read the comment posted by No.36,37&38.I understand that those who posted these comments they even did not see the said book, just blankly blaming.
Study the subject then tell your opinion. Salt is not sweet, if somebody tell like that these kind of people will believe and support them.
Text book issue is only politically motivated. I have no opinion that the said text book is 100% OK. Are UDF leaders already review all the text books (including repared by central Government) which are studying from UKG to Post Graduate level? Nothing wrong in these text books? What is the opinion against other text books except 7th std. social study text book?
Person or organization have right to protect against such issues, There are peaceful ways to bring attention of authority and peacefully can settle such issues. This people invade the police barricade and trespass to the Government office. If police allow to go them inside the offices what will happen! They will destroy the office records and furniture! Furniture we can buy what about the records ! The strike was worst than other strikes held in previous.
This protest aiming only forthcoming election and make sure the support of all religious groups! To secure their vote bank public has to suffer a lot?
August 20th, 2008 at 5:47 am
New 7th standard book
Child’s name- NirJeevan
Father’s name-Communist
Mother’s name-BJP
Head Master’s name-US Congress
Head master was relaxing in the school. A family came there.Faher, Mother and a Child about 5 years.
Head master raise his head and asked. “Why you are here?”
Father “We need admission for our child”
Head Master”The school is closed now study online education”
Father ” We are poor”
Head master” what is the party of the child”
Father “No party”
Head Master ” What shall I fill in the colum of his party”
Mother ” BJP”
Father “Communist”
Headmaster “Ok both are Indian parties no use. We will educate the child through online here. Will give the best education and make him capable to install neuclear power houses even at your home.May I make him US Congress?”
Father was hitting Mother, Mother killed Father and Father killed mother. Head Master signed at the Peon who is Indian Muslim League. He killed the child and went off.
Head master again relaxed on his chair and justered “Bullshit indian Community”.
And thus problem solved. The Government raise the salary for that.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
We should have left it to a good teacher..!!
September 15th, 2008 at 10:14 am
the book is superb… i didnt see anything wrong in that.
but its is not required to theach these things to a seventh standard student because his knowledge and vision is better than our politicians
September 27th, 2008 at 11:35 am
The attitude of the Govt here can be concluded as “cultured Goondaism”, little bit more cultured that SFI’s and AIYF’s real goondaism!!!