Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Kerala’s Minister for General Education and Employment, V. Sivankutty, has strongly criticised the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for its recent decision to rename English medium textbooks with Hindi titles. Calling the move a “grave illogicality”, Sivankutty accused the central government of attempting to impose Hindi and undermine India’s linguistic diversity.
“It is absolutely wrong to replace long-standing English titles with Hindi names in English-medium textbooks. This not only disrespects linguistic plurality but also undermines the inclusive educational environment we aim to foster,” the minister said on Monday.
Sivankutty pointed out that the names of textbooks are more than just titles — they shape the worldview and imagination of young learners. “English-medium students deserve English titles. Changing them to names like Mridang, Santoor, or Poorvi distorts the intent and accessibility of the content,” he stated.
Kerala, he emphasised, remains committed to preserving linguistic diversity and upholding cultural freedom across all regions. The minister also called the decision a violation of federal principles and constitutional values.
The controversy erupted after NCERT introduced new names for its revised textbooks as part of its efforts to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Among the changes, the Class 1 and 2 textbooks have been titled Mridang, the Class 3 book renamed Santoor, and the Class 6 English textbook changed from Honeysuckle to Poorvi.
These changes have sparked backlash from several non-Hindi-speaking states. Leaders from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have accused the Centre of promoting “Hindi imposition” through the NEP. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also previously raised concerns about the language policy and the alleged denial of central funds to states that refused to implement the three-language formula.
Sivankutty urged the NCERT to reconsider and roll back the decision and called for unity among states to oppose any form of cultural or linguistic imposition. “Education should empower, not enforce. It must be built on consensus, not coercion,” he concluded.
