Upanishads to Mahabharata: NCERT explains roots of national, SC mottos
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MANASH PRATIM GOHAIN
The NCERT has introduced a new Class IX social science textbook that links modern governance principles to ancient Indian texts. By tracing national and judicial mottos to the Upanishads and Mahabharata, the curriculum emphasizes values like transparency and accountability.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Governance
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken a significant pedagogical step with the introduction of its new Class IX social science textbook, "Understanding Society: India and Beyond." By explicitly tracing the roots of India’s foundational mottos to classical literature, the curriculum seeks to provide students with a holistic view of the nation’s democratic evolution. This initiative marks a shift toward contextualizing modern institutional frameworks within the historical and philosophical landscape of ancient Indian civilization.
The Philosophical Roots of National Mottos
Central to this educational shift is the connection made between contemporary symbols and their literary origins. The national motto, "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs), is identified as originating from the Mundaka Upanishad, while the Supreme Court’s guiding principle, "Yato Dharmastato Jayah" (Where there is Dharma, there is victory), is traced back to the Mahabharata. By rooting these mantras in their respective texts, the NCERT aims to demonstrate that the ethical foundations of modern Indian democracy are not merely imported constructs but are deeply embedded in the country’s indigenous intellectual heritage.
Governance and Ethical Responsibility
Beyond mere historical identification, the textbook utilizes these ancient references to frame modern governance themes. The inclusion of these concepts is designed to instill a sense of civic duty among students, emphasizing that accountability, inclusiveness, and transparency are not just bureaucratic requirements but moral imperatives. The narrative suggests that the ancient concept of 'Dharma'—often translated as duty or righteousness—serves as a precursor to the modern demand for ethical conduct within public institutions.
Societal Roles and Public Welfare
The curriculum further explores the intersection of individual responsibility and the collective welfare of the state. By analyzing excerpts from the Mahabharata and the Upanishads, the textbook encourages students to reflect on the roles different societal actors play in a democracy. This pedagogical approach highlights that the success of a democratic state depends on the adherence of both the rulers and the ruled to values that transcend individual interest, ultimately aiming to ensure the long-term health of the republic.
Future Trends in Educational Content
This move by the NCERT reflects a broader trend in Indian education to integrate indigenous knowledge systems with modern social science curricula. By framing democracy through the lens of ancient wisdom, the state is encouraging a re-evaluation of how students interact with their cultural history. If successful, this trend may lead to a more nuanced understanding of governance, where students view modern constitutional principles as the contemporary manifestation of long-standing civilizational values, fostering a deeper sense of national identity and civic consciousness among the next generation.