Kannada Textbook Controversy: Title 'Krishna' and Dietary Content Draw Criticism
The title and content of a Class 6 Kannada textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have sparked controversy, with educationists and writers raising objections over its name, 'Krishna', and the emphasis on a vegetarian diet.
The textbook is part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken steps to introduce a three-language policy (R1, R2, R3) for Classes 6 to 10 from the 2026-27 academic year.
Critics argue that naming the textbook after a Hindu deity is an attempt to impose a religious agenda on education. Niranjanaradhya V.P., a development educationist, called it 'cultural oppression' and 'saffronisation' of textbooks. He also objected to the exclusion of non-vegetarian food from the textbook's definition of a balanced diet, which only mentions sattvic foods like milk, greens, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Others, including Umesh G. Gangavadi, state president of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC), pointed out that the textbook lacks representation of Karnataka's cultural and social diversity, including folklore and literature from various regions. Writer S.G. Siddaramaiah demanded the withdrawal of the textbook, citing the imposition of vegetarianism and religious symbolism.
The textbook change comes amid broader debates over the three-language policy and the NEP's emphasis on 'Indian Knowledge Heritage'. As of now, NCERT has not issued a formal response to the criticism.
