Setting the Record Straight: SCERT Kerala Rectifies Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Historical Narrative

In a significant move to uphold historical accuracy, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Kerala has officially corrected a long-standing error within its Class 5 social science textbook. The revision clarifies a crucial detail regarding the iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, dispelling the misconception that he 'fled' India fearing the British.

Previously, the textbook contained a passage suggesting that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose left India out of fear of the colonial rulers. This narrative has now been rectified to accurately reflect the true nature of his departure: it was a meticulously planned, strategic move aimed at securing foreign assistance for India's burgeoning independence movement, rather than an act driven by apprehension.

The impetus for this correction stemmed from a vigilant complaint filed by K.R. Vijayan, a retired school teacher from Wayanad. His concerns were subsequently amplified by BJP state president K. Surendran, who publicly highlighted the erroneous portrayal of Netaji in the educational material, underscoring the vital need for factual precision in academic texts.

Responding promptly to the feedback, SCERT Kerala acknowledged the oversight. "We verified the complaint and found that there was indeed an error. The mistake has been rectified, and the updated version of the textbook is now available on our website," stated a representative from SCERT. They further clarified that the initial inclusion of the incorrect information was an unintentional oversight, not a deliberate misrepresentation.

Eminent historian Prof. S.R. Bepari concurred with the correction, reinforcing the historical truth. "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's departure from India was unequivocally a strategic decision, not a flight driven by fear," Prof. Bepari affirmed. "His paramount objective was to organize a formidable army and launch an armed struggle against British rule from abroad, a testament to his unwavering commitment to India's liberation." This collaborative effort between vigilant citizens, political leaders, and educational authorities underscores the collective commitment to presenting an accurate and respectful account of India's freedom struggle to future generations.