Kerala Education Minister slams NCERT decision to give Hindi names to English-medium textbooks: ‘Violation of common logic’

Kerala Education Minister Criticizes NCERT’s Hindi Textbook Titles: ‘A Threat to Linguistic Diversity’

Thiruvananthapuram, April 15, 2025 — The Kerala Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, has strongly opposed the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) controversial decision to give Hindi titles to English-language textbooks. Describing the move as “a violation of common logic and an affront to linguistic diversity,” Sivankutty has raised alarms about the implications of such a decision on India’s multicultural and federal structure.

The NCERT, responsible for creating academic content nationwide, recently released a set of English-medium textbooks with titles in Hindi. For instance, subjects like Political Science and History now feature Hindi titles such as ‘Naitik Shiksha’ and ‘Bharatiya Itihas,’ while the content remains unchanged in English. This decision has led to widespread debate, especially in non-Hindi-speaking regions of India, concerning cultural imposition and the undermining of local languages.

Kerala’s Strong Response

Minister Sivankutty wasted no time in criticizing the NCERT’s decision. “This is not just a cosmetic change. By assigning Hindi titles to English textbooks, the NCERT is engaging in a form of linguistic centralization that disregards the diversity of our country,” Sivankutty stated during a press briefing. Furthermore, he emphasized that Kerala has long championed multilingualism, and moves that prioritize one language at the expense of others threaten the state’s inclusive educational framework. “India’s federal system allows space for multiple languages, and such unilateral actions only disrupt the spirit of our nation,” he remarked.

Backlash from Other Southern States

In addition to Kerala, several other southern states have echoed similar concerns. Leaders and scholars from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have also raised alarms about the decision. The prevailing sentiment is that the decision represents an attempt at “Hindi imposition,” an issue that has historically stirred tensions between the northern and southern parts of the country.

In Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK government condemned the NCERT’s actions. Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said, “The government’s repeated attempts to push Hindi in the guise of educational reforms are a direct threat to India’s linguistic diversity. Tamil Nadu will not stand for such actions.”

Academic and Public Outcry

Moreover, the NCERT’s move has sparked significant academic debate. Educators and scholars argue that assigning Hindi titles to English textbooks might create unnecessary confusion among students, particularly those in non-Hindi speaking regions. This could further complicate an already overburdened education system. As a result, experts believe this could have far-reaching consequences on students’ learning experiences.

Dr. Lakshmi Menon, a language expert from the University of Kerala, stated, “The significance of a textbook title is not just academic; it’s pedagogical. When a textbook in English is given a Hindi title, it creates a disconnect that can affect students’ understanding and engagement.” Consequently, many educators fear that this could lead to educational inefficiencies.

Students, too, have voiced their concerns. Aarav Nair, a Class 11 student from Kochi, questioned the rationale behind the decision: “Why would an English textbook have a Hindi name? It doesn’t make sense. We understand English, and the titles should reflect that.”

NCERT’s Justification

Despite the widespread criticism, the NCERT has yet to officially respond to Sivankutty’s accusations. However, some insiders within the organization have suggested that the decision aligns with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages the use of mother tongues in education and promotes Indian languages. Some officials argue that the inclusion of Hindi in book titles could help foster a sense of cultural identity among students.

A senior official from NCERT, speaking anonymously, defended the move, stating, “The intention behind this move is to reflect the national character of our education system. It is an effort to integrate Indian languages and offer students a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.” However, critics counter that this move fails to represent India’s linguistic diversity adequately. Prof. R. Krishnamurthy, an education policy analyst, remarked, “If the aim is cultural inclusivity, why not incorporate regional languages like Malayalam, Tamil, or Kannada in their respective states? Why does it always have to be Hindi?”

Political Repercussions

The controversy surrounding the NCERT’s decision is also expected to have political ramifications, particularly with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Consequently, several regional parties, including the Congress, CPI(M), and DMK, are using the issue to criticize the BJP-led central government’s educational policies. The controversy has, therefore, become a new flashpoint in the already tense political environment.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat stated, “This is not about education; it’s about imposing a dominant cultural narrative. The government is eroding the pluralistic fabric of India, bit by bit.” As a result, the controversy is expected to fuel further political mobilization on the issue of linguistic and cultural autonomy.

What’s at Stake?

India’s multilingual identity has been a source of both pride and tension. The debate over the NCERT’s Hindi textbook titles adds to this legacy, raising key questions about the role of language in education. Furthermore, it challenges the balance between national unity and regional diversity:

• Should Hindi be given precedence in educational materials, even in regions where it is not widely spoken?
• Is it necessary to change textbook titles if the content itself remains in English?
• Should the NCERT reconsider its approach, taking into account regional sensitivities and linguistic diversity?

Looking Ahead

Minister Sivankutty has written to the Union Education Minister, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision and a clear response from the NCERT. “Education should respect linguistic diversity, not impose a uniform linguistic identity. We call upon the Centre to reconsider this policy,” Sivankutty said.

As this debate continues to unfold, it highlights the ongoing struggle in India to balance national unity with regional identities. The outcome of this controversy could have lasting implications for how India approaches education, language, and cultural inclusivity in the future.