A New India
Chapter 253 - 253: Discussion - II

Next day the NCERT conference room was again filled with scholars the next morning.

The debate from the previous day had left the room divided, but Dr. Shyam Sundar was determined to push forward.

Today, the agenda was more focused: the revision of the history curriculum, a topic that had already proven to be the most contentious.

Dr. Sundar stood at the head of the table, his face calm but his tone firm. "Good morning, everyone. Yesterday's meeting was heated, to say the least. I hope we can channel that energy into a constructive discussion today. The Prime Minister has made it clear that he wants the new curriculum to reflect the full spectrum of India's history, highlighting our achievements alongside the difficult truths. Let's get started."

No sooner had he finished than Dr. Ramesh Patel, the outspoken historian from the previous day, raised his hand. "Dr. Sundar, I'll be blunt. This so-called 'balanced history' sounds like a political agenda. Are we here to teach facts or to glorify one particular religion?"

Dr. Leela Sharma, sitting across from him, immediately shot back. "Balanced history is about correcting omissions, Dr. Patel. For decades, our textbooks have ignored India's contributions to science, philosophy, and governance while disproportionately focusing on invasions and colonial exploitation."

Patel leaned forward, his voice rising. "So, you're suggesting we erase the horrors of the Mughal invasions and British colonialism? Pretend they didn't happen?"

"No one is saying that!" Sharma snapped. "But why should our children grow up thinking India's history begins and ends with its invaders? What about the Vedas, the Upanishads, the architectural brilliance of the Cholas, or the maritime achievements of the Chalukyas? These are equally important."

A younger historian, Dr. Priya Das, tried to interject. "Can we focus on—"

But Patel cut her off, slamming his hand on the table. "And where does it end, Leela? Will we start teaching children that India was a utopia before the Mughals arrived? This is dangerous revisionism!"

Sharma stood up, her voice shaking with anger. "Dangerous? What's dangerous is the current curriculum that ignores centuries of Hindu philosophy and achievements! Students should learn about the Bhagavad Gita and the Arthashastra alongside world history."

At this point, a third voice entered the fray.

Professor Anil Mehta, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "Both of you are missing the point. This isn't about glorifying or vilifying any period. It's about presenting the full picture. Yes, we should teach about colonialism and invasions, but not at the expense of India's contributions to mathematics, medicine, and art."

Dr. Patel, still fuming, gestured angrily. "And how do you propose we do that, Anil? By turning our history books into religious texts? This is education, not mythology!"

A hush fell over the room as Dr. Sundar raised his hand, signaling for calm. "Enough," he said, his voice firm but measured. "This discussion is veering off track. Let's focus on the specifics. What exactly should be included in the curriculum?"

Dr. Priya Das took the opportunity to speak. "Dr. Sundar, I think we need to approach this systematically. We can divide the curriculum into thematic sections: scientific achievements, governance, spiritual philosophy, and socio-political history. That way, we ensure balance without favoring any one perspective."

Dr. Sharma nodded. "Exactly. For example, in the section on governance, we can include the administrative systems of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires alongside the Mughal and British systems. In philosophy, we should teach the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita alongside the Quran and Buddhist teachings."

Patel, still visibly upset, scoffed. "And what happens when parents start accusing us of promoting one religion over another? This is a recipe for controversy."

Dr. Mehta responded calmly. "Controversy is inevitable, Ramesh. But that doesn't mean we avoid the truth. If we're transparent and academically rigorous, the curriculum will stand on its own merits."

Another scholar, Dr. Sanjay Verma, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "I agree with Dr. Mehta, but I think we're underestimating the political backlash this will generate. History is not just about facts, it's about identity. Any change will be seen as an attack by some group or another."

Dr. Sundar sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Sanjay-ji, you're right. But the Prime Minister has made it clear that this is non-negotiable. Our job is to create a framework that is academically sound and defensible. Let's focus on that."

The room fell into an uneasy silence before Patel broke it. "And what about the invaders? Are we going to gloss over the destruction of temples, the forced conversions, and the massacres?"

Dr. Sharma's voice was steady but sharp. "No one is suggesting we gloss over anything. But we also won't reduce history to a list of atrocities. History is about context, cause, and consequence. Teach the destruction, but also teach about Akbar's policies of religious tolerance and Dara Shikoh's translations of Hindu texts."

Patel threw up his hands. "And you think students will understand all that nuance? You're being naïve."

Dr. Sundar slammed his hand on the table, startling everyone. "Enough! This is not a debate club. We are here to create a curriculum, not to score points against each other."

He took a deep breath, then continued. "Here's what we're going to do. Each of you will submit a list of topics you believe must be included in the curriculum, along with supporting evidence. I will review these lists and present a consolidated proposal to the Prime Minister. This is not optional. If you're in this room, you're committed to this project."

The scholars exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in agreement.

The meeting adjourned shortly after, with some scholars still muttering under their breath as they left.

Dr. Sundar remained behind.

He knew the road ahead was full with resistance and controversy, but he also knew that change was necessary.

Though it is not widely talks some extremists leaders of Muslim community arrested and rumours of a secret operation is roaming around and with the mandate of PM it seems to confirm something.