NCERT Textbook Features Group Captain’s Perspective on a Borderless Earth

The words of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station, emphasizing a unified Earth, have been incorporated into a Class 5 NCERT textbook. The quote appears in the ‘Earth, Our Shared Home’ chapter of the ‘Our Wondrous World’ textbook, which is a component of the curriculum designed for young learners. The quote originates from a conversation between Group Captain Shukla and former Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Shukla described his experience of seeing Earth from space. He stated that borders and countries were not visible, only a shared human experience. Shukla’s 18-day mission aboard the ISS was a historic achievement, marking his place as the first Indian in over 40 years to visit the orbital outpost. The textbook, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, combines Science, Social Science, and Environmental Studies, utilizing stories, activities, and real-world examples. The content includes innovative concepts like DIGIPIN, geographical explorations of Indian rivers, and inspirational stories of national figures. The book’s teaching approach emphasizes observation, investigation, and reflection, fostering an appreciation for India’s cultural diversity and the planet’s interconnectedness.