Resentment brewing over removing chapters from textbook

Resentment is brewing in Kerala over the removal of chapters on social reforms in Kerala, especially the Channar Revolt, popularly known as the Maru Marakkal Samaram (agitation for the right to cover chest) by Dalit women, from NCERT ninth-standard textbook.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged it as part of attempts by the Sangh Parivar to rewrite history. Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala sent a letter to NCERT director Hrushikesh Senapaty demanding that the decision to eliminate portions on social reforms of Kerala during the 19th centenary should be revoked.

NCERT removed three chapters, including the one of caste struggle of the backward communities in erstwhile Travancore in the social science textbook. The decision was part of the curriculum rationalisation of the Human Resources Development Ministry. The CBSE had issued a circular in this regard, official sources said.

Apart from the Chief Minister and the Opposition leader, community leaders of the outfits like the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana yogam that represents the Ezhava community and the Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha, a prominent dalit forum, also flayed the decision.

The Chief Minister said in a social media post that it was a deliberate attempt to undermine the renaissance movements of the backward people. Portions of former Travancore-Cochin chief minister and social reformer C Kesavan's autobiography 'Jeevitha Samaram' were also removed.

A meeting of the Renaissance Protection Forum in Kerala, formed in the backdrop of the Sabarimala women entry row, also strongly condemned the decision.