In a landmark push towards decolonizing education, NCERT has transformed the Class 9 English curriculum, infusing it with India’s indigenous wisdom and literary giants. Students this year will study from a single, potent textbook that prioritizes homegrown narratives.
Chapters slashed from 29 to 16, with foreign-heavy content (once 15 strong) giving way to Indian excellence. ‘Kaveri’ opens with Sudha Murty’s timeless piece, seamlessly integrating works by Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharati, Temsula Ao, and Mitra Phukan—stalwarts representing India’s linguistic diversity.
Perfectly aligned with the 2023 curriculum framework, the book dedicates eight slots to Indian authors and six to global ones, embodying Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). This isn’t mere replacement; it’s a curated evolution ending decades of Western dominance in English teaching.
Feedback from educationists underscores the syllabus’s newfound precision, enabling richer classroom discussions. By drawing from authentic Indian voices, the changes cultivate empathy, identity, and intellectual curiosity. This initiative heralds a brighter, more self-assured chapter in India’s schooling story.