The current central government has removed several topics related to science and history from school curricula and textbooks. In reality, these are some of the most important subjects. Eliminating the theory of evolution from the science syllabus stems from the RSS BJP government’s desire for future generations to believe in their preferred creationist ideologies. Similarly, erasing the Mughal era entirely from history textbooks aligns with the RSS BJP’s agenda of historical distortion and hatred. Concealing the patriotism of Tipu Sultan is another such act. It’s a direct reflection of their hatred toward Muslims, minorities, and Dalits. But changing syllabi doesn’t change actual history, does it? Historical evidence cannot simply be erased, can it? Reports from the Archaeological Survey of India and historical texts written by hundreds of historians across the globe will continue to speak the truth, won’t they? Films, plays and other creative works that reflect historical facts will continue to expose the distortions and propaganda of the present regime, won’t they?
● The Mughal era wasn’t a brief episode in history.
They ruled this land for almost four centuries and became an integral part of the country. Unlike the British, who looted India and took the wealth back to Britain (like the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which now adorns the British Queen’s crown), what did the Mughals take away? If they looted, where did they take it? Won’t future generations question this? Except for Babur, the founder, all other Mughal emperors were born, raised, and died here. They merged into this land and became part of Indian life. Long before the common era, Emperor Ashoka ruled a vast empire. Later, the Mughals consolidated that territory and protected it from other invasions, making it formidable. Even after centuries, global tourists flock to see Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Agra Fort and Buland Darwaza are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Will the BJP regime now try to hide the history behind these monuments? Will they claim Modi built them, erasing the names of Akbar and Shah Jahan? Even if they do, it’s no surprise. We’ve seen the level of degradation in their propaganda. They seem to believe they’ll remain in power forever, ignoring the inevitable change of time. Even Hitler made such changes, but he didn’t stay in power forever, did he?
Now let’s talk about the removal of the theory of evolution from science textbooks. Every human being must understand evolution. It’s not limited to any one country or just biology students. It is something every global citizen should study and comprehend. Even the uneducated should be able to ask and learn about it. It’s important to understand how the early human stages evolved, how they adapted to environments, and how they reached the present state. The evolutionary journey from single celled to multicellular organisms, from invertebrates to vertebrates like fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and eventually to hominids and modern humans, is crucial knowledge.
There was a time when several early human species coexisted, competing for food and survival. Among them, the intelligent species Homo sapiens emerged victorious and carried forward. The rest became extinct. ‘Homo’ is the genus of humans and ‘Sapiens’ is the species, meaning ‘Wise’. Living as Homo sapiens, each of us must use our reasoning. So, no matter where a human is in the world, they are still a Homo sapiens this implies all humans are one. In that sense, every person is a universal human. To understand how humans transitioned from barbarism to civilization and how modern and post modern eras evolved around humans, we must study evolution. Those deeply immersed in religious beliefs, soul, God, and reincarnation may find no need for evolution. Those who blindly accept falsehoods and question facts don’t want evolution. Those who trample self belief and embrace superstition don’t need evolution either. Evolutionary science is the root of rationality, humanism, free thinking and a universal perspective. It is a journey from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. Understanding human evolution helps us understand the value of human beings. Those who cannot accept this are now in power, misusing their authority to render future generations intellectually weak.
● Every government has two key responsibilities education and healthcare.
Healthcare benefits only the living citizens, but education shapes the future. If a generation is denied proper education, its impact stretches for many generations. Think about how much more crucial education is than healthcare. Yes, healthcare is essential healthy citizens ensure healthy future generations. But if the majority are born ignorant, what good is it? We need at least a few enlightened minds to lead and transform society. That’s why governments must provide rational, accessible education.
Many scientific tools we use in daily life were developed by a handful of scientists and engineers. The vast majority of people simply use them with ease. The power to change society always lies with a few and the government must ensure all opportunities for those few to emerge. Not by cutting minds, wings, speech, and thoughts. Deleting essential topics from textbooks means burying truths and weakening society. It appears the government fears that the youth might ask questions if they gain knowledge.
Their goal seems to be to suppress facts, push a Hindutva agenda, indoctrinate children with creationism, sideline the Constitution and revive Manusmriti. RSS BJP has been working toward this from the beginning. When faced with resistance, they’re quick to compromise. It was they who apologized to the British and discouraged youth from joining the freedom movement. When Sardar Patel banned the RSS during Nehru’s government, they apologized and got released. They also apologized to Indira Gandhi during the Emergency to protect their workers. Yet today, they criticize the same Emergency. They lack honesty, commitment and truthfulness. They gain power through illegitimate means, limp forward with support, do no real work and focus only on propaganda.
Because Mughals were Muslims, the current ruling party thinks all Hindus should hate them. To instill that hatred, they are willing to incite massacres. They are not bothered even when women are paraded naked in the streets. Just like they have neutralized the ED, CBI and courts for their purposes, they are now tampering with NCERT as well. Citizens are rightfully concerned and are preparing for action.