UGC's Curriculum Draft Sparks Heated Debate Over Savarkar's Place in History

The hallowed halls of academia are once again abuzz with fervent debate, as the University Grants Commission (UGC) unveils its latest draft for the undergraduate curriculum. Far from a mere bureaucratic update, this proposed 'National Credit Framework for Undergraduate Study' has ignited a fierce political and academic storm, primarily centered on the contentious inclusion and portrayal of V.D.

Savarkar within the history syllabus.

At the heart of the uproar lies the specific content outlined for various history courses. While the draft aims for a common syllabus framework across all universities, its approach to historical figures has drawn sharp criticism. Courses such as 'India's Freedom Struggle Part 2' and 'History of India 20th Century' are slated to feature figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Ahilyabai Holkar, and, most notably, V.D.

Savarkar. Critics point to what they perceive as an attempt to elevate certain narratives while potentially downplaying others, citing concerns over a perceived ideological slant.

The political arena has wasted no time in condemning the UGC's move. Major opposition parties, including the Congress, CPI-M, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, have vehemently accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a 'saffronisation' of education.

They allege that the curriculum rewrite is a thinly veiled attempt to infuse educational content with a particular political ideology, thereby distorting historical facts to suit a specific narrative.

Academicians and prominent historians have joined the chorus of disapproval, voicing grave concerns over the implications for academic autonomy and historical integrity.

Many argue that the draft curriculum was developed without adequate consultation with subject matter experts and historians, raising questions about the academic rigor and impartiality of the process. They fear that such interventions undermine the independence of educational institutions and set a dangerous precedent for political interference in curriculum design, transforming history into a tool for ideological indoctrination rather than critical inquiry.

This isn't the first time such a controversy has erupted.

Similar attempts to revise historical narratives and introduce new interpretations have been observed during previous tenures of BJP-led governments, indicating a recurring pattern of educational reform proposals sparking widespread debate. The current draft, with its emphasis on certain historical figures and periods, is seen by critics as a continuation of these efforts.

In response to the growing backlash, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar has offered a defense, stating that the syllabus is meticulously developed by expert committees and aims to highlight India's significant contributions across various fields.

However, this explanation has done little to quell the rising tide of dissent, with critics demanding greater transparency, broader consultation, and a re-evaluation of the contentious sections to preserve the academic integrity and impartiality of India's educational framework.