Clarification on the controversy over the naming of NCERT books, the institute said – these are not just Hindi, but names taken from Indian languages
Education Desk – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has now given its official response on the ongoing controversy over the new textbooks of NCERT. Recently, it was alleged by some sections that the names of books of subjects like Mathematics and English have been kept in Hindi, which can create confusion among non-Hindi speaking students and states.
However, NCERT has described this entire controversy as based on misunderstanding and clarified that the names of the new books are not in Hindi, but are taken from Indian languages. Their aim is to connect students with Indian culture, music, and knowledge tradition.
Which books have been named by NCERT and why?
According to NCERT, the English textbook of class 1 and 2 has been named ‘Mridang’, which is taken from the Mridangam musical instrument associated with Carnatic music of South India. Similarly, the English book for Class 7 has been named ‘Poorvi’, which is a raga and is traditionally sung in the evening.
The mathematics book has been named ‘Ganit Prakash’, which aims to generate curiosity and pride in children towards India’s ancient mathematical tradition.
NCERT clarified: These names have been taken from Indian languages, not just Hindi
NCERT also clarified that these names have not been selected specifically to promote Hindi, but these names are inspired by the country’s diverse Indian languages and cultural heritage. The main purpose of naming the books is to develop interest and pride in students towards Indian languages, arts and scientific achievements.
The new NCERT textbooks have been thoughtfully named to convey rootedness in India’s culture and knowledge systems. The names of the books are from Indian languages and not specifically Hindi.
English textbook for Grades 1 and 2 is titled ‘Mridang’ derived from Mridangam, a… pic.twitter.com/rskSoS75MT
— NCERT (@ncert) April 17, 2025
The institute’s intention: To connect students with Indianness, not disconnect them from modernity
NCERT says that this initiative will not only generate interest in students towards subjects like mathematics or English, but they will also be able to understand the basic nature of Indian languages and traditions. This naming is not an attempt to impose a particular language, but an attempt to incorporate India’s multilingual and cultural diversity in the education system.
NCERT has clarified that the names of the new textbooks are not in Hindi, but are taken from Indian languages, whose aim is only to connect students with Indianness. This naming is a powerful means of conveying Indian culture, music, ragas, and mathematical knowledge to children through education, and not any linguistic bias.
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