NCERT Renames English Textbooks with Hindi Titles, Sparks National Debate

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a notable change in the naming of English-medium school textbooks, replacing traditional English titles with Hindi-origin names. This shift is part of the council’s rollout of new textbooks under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Among the most discussed changes are Class 1 and 2 English books titled Mridang, Class 3’s book Santoor, and Class 6’s renamed textbook Poorvi, replacing the earlier title Honeysuckle.

The move has caught national attention not just for its novelty but also for its implications. The titles—drawn from Indian musical instruments and classical ragas—are seen by some as a step toward cultural rootedness and educational reform. However, the absence of English titles in English-medium books has also sparked concern across various regions, especially in states where Hindi is not the primary language.

The renaming comes amid a larger educational restructuring effort intended to “Indianize” content and pedagogy. Yet, it also raises crucial questions: Is this merely a cultural shift, or does it lean toward promoting Hindi at the expense of linguistic inclusivity? With many awaiting a formal response from NCERT, the renaming has become a flashpoint in the evolving landscape of Indian education.

Take a look at all the book title changes and for more information check out the official website: https://ncert.nic.in/